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This Day in Hockey History

Marc Serota / REUTERS

2003 - Messier reaches 1,700 games played

New York Rangers forward Mark Messier becomes the second player in NHL history to reach 1,700 games played.

While Messier failed to record a point in New York's 6-2 win over the Ottawa Senators, he joined Gordie Howe as the only two members of the exclusive club - that is, until Ron Francis joined them later that season.

Messier finished his career with 1,756 games played, nine behind Howe's mark. He did, however, manage to pass Mr. Hockey in total points, and ranks second only to former Edmonton Oilers teammate Wayne Gretzky on the NHL's all time scoring list with 1,887 points (694 goals, 1,193 assists).

He also finished his career with two Hart Trophies (1990, 1992), and six Stanley Cups (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990, 1994), the last of which being the Rangers' first in 54 years.

Messier was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in November of 2007.

Birthdays

1974 - Saku Koivu
1987 - Nicklas Backstrom
1992 - Gabriel Landeskog

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