SAN JOSE — The last time Brent Burns was unable to play a game, most of the hair on the top of his head had just been shaved off for charity, his beard was a modest length and he was playing as a forward.
That was Nov. 17, 2013. Tuesday night when the Sharks host the Washington Capitals, Burns is set to become just the fourth defenseman in NHL history to play in 500 consecutive games.
Burns’ ironman streak began Nov. 21, 2013, when he returned from facial injuries.
In the 499 games since, Burns leads all players whose primary position was defense with 124 goals and 422 points.