Phil Kessel poised to make NHL history.

It's hard to believe that Phil Kessel could well and truly be crowned the National Hockey League's 'Ironman' but as more and more time goes on it is starting to look more and more like that is actually going to be the case.

It's hard to believe not because Kessel isn't an extremely talented player, but his laid back and somewhat goofy personality wouldn't lead you to believe that a hyper competitive individual is lurking beneath Phil Kessel's loveable exterior. That is in fact the case though and through nearly 1000 games now, Kessel has demonstrated that he may very well be among the toughest men to ever play the sport of professional hockey.

In something of a fitting moment, Kessel will get the chance to tie the Ironman record currently held by former National Hockey League defenseman Keith Yandle on Monday when he takes on his former team the Toronto Maple Leafs. You could argue that it was in Toronto that Kessel gained most of his notoriety, and there is clearly still a strong fan following for Kessel in that city and that will no doubt be reflected on Monday night when he earns a place in NHL history.

Kessel won't have to wait long to break the record however, with a Tuesday night game against the San Jose Sharks set to be the stage where Kessel will earn his own place in the NHL record books when he stands atop of the mountain as the NHL's Ironman.

While playing through numerous injuries and ailments is an incredible accomplishment, you have to believe that some of the challenges faced by Kessel early on in his career helped shape him into the Ironman he has become. Kessel of course overcame a very scary battle with testicular cancer early on in his career when he was still a member of the Boston Bruins, and he not only beat the disease but has gone on to have an incredible career in the NHL, one that includes multiple Stanley Cup championships and perhaps an NHL record soon as well.

First Kessel and the Golden Knights will have to take on the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday, which means that Kessel's Ironman streak will be put to the test in the final stretch with 3 consecutive games in a row.