File this under “things that make you feel good.”
Weeks after Edmonton Oilers defenceman Kris Russell broke the NHL record for most blocked shots, his teammates came together for a pretty unique gift: a pair of silver shin pads.
Russell, effectively known as Rusty around the team, set the record on Nov. 27th by blocking his 1,999th career shot against the Vegas Golden Knights. That number has since claimed to 2,015 blocked shots.
Over his career with the Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars, Russell has blocked an average of 2.25 shots per game.
It’s an impressive feat and a record he will keep building on.
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.