Islanders Cal Clutterbuck Becomes First NHL Player With 4,000 Career Hits

Entering Thursday's game against the Florida Panthers three hits shy, Cal Clutterbuck has become the first player in NHL history with 4,000 hits.

SUNRISE, FL -- New York Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck has made NHL history. 

With his hit in the period, the 36-year-old became the first player in NHL history to reach the 4,000 career hit mark.

Clutterbuck entered Thursday's game three hits shy of the 4,000 mark with 3,997 career hits.

The 1,000-game member recorded two of his three hits in the first period, earning the milestone against Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola at the 7:21 mark of the second. 

Behind him in career hits, in second place, is his tenured Islanders linemate, Matt Martin, who had 3,836 career hits coming into Thursday's contest.

Clutterbuck has led the league three times in most regular-season hits. He recorded 356 hits in his rookie year (2008-2009), 318 from 2009-2010, and 336 again from 2010-2011.

He currently sits third in the NHL this season, with 244 and counting. 

“That’s a big number,” a bloodied-up Clutterbuck said post game after taking a vicious high stick late in the third. “I don't know how many I got but I was going for an extra one and I got clocked.”

His best pal Casey Cizikas had some words about the milestone:

“He lays it on the line every single night.He puts his body in those hard spots and he’s not afraid to lay the body. He gets hit a lot, as well. He’s a warrior. He does it every single night. He's been doing it his entire career and we're happy for him to see him to achieve that.”