Ducks’ Andrew Cogliano is close to playing 700 consecutive games

Andrew Cogliano dealt with his share of physical issues in the first 697 games to start his career, so what’s a little more adversity to reach 700?

The latest scare for the NHL’s ironman came Wednesday when he took a hit along the boards in the final minutes of the Ducks’ 8-3 win against Calgary and left the game, his 698th straight. But he appears to be fine, a team spokesman said Thursday.

Cogliano got two assists in the win and earlier said that the streak, the sixth-longest consecutive games played streak in NHL history, has gone on for so long he’s run out of words.

“I give bad answers when it comes to this because there’s just nothing else to say,” Cogliano said.

It’s ironic because Cogliano is one of the team’s most well-spoken players. He doesn’t think about the streak but he can appreciate what it means to have played in every game since his NHL debut in 2007. Friday would be his 699th straight game, followed by a potential milestone game Sunday.

Doug Jarvis holds the NHL record, having played in 964 games in a row during a career that spanned from 1975 to 1988 with the Montreal Canadiens and Hartford Whalers. He never missed a game.

“When I think about it, I’m proud of myself and proud of where I’ve been and hopefully continue to go,” Cogliano said. “I just want to help the team. That’s what it comes down to. If I can be here and be a regular player and be someone that’s depended on, I think that’s all I’m looking for.”

Cogliano cites good fortune, conditioning and his routine. He was one of the first on the ice at Wednesday’s morning skate, two days after he was shaken in a collision with teammate Jakob Silfverberg against Edmonton.

Cogliano has been through much worse, notably the loss of several teeth against Chicago three years ago. The 700-game mark would coincide with his nomination this week for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for dedication and perseverance.

Cogliano doesn’t see the streak as a burden and doesn’t read too much into it.

“We’ll see what happens, and hopefully I continue to be fortunate and continue to do what I’m doing,” he said.

An update on left wing David Perron might come Friday, a spokesman said. Perron is considered week to week with a shoulder injury, pending results of an MRI exam. The Ducks were off Thursday.

DUCKS NEXT UP

VS. VANCOUVER

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

On the air: TV: Prime; Radio: 830.

Update: The free-falling Canucks have injuries to several regulars and are without suspended forward Jake Virtanen. Former Ducks winger Emerson Etem has seven points in his first 33 games with Vancouver after he began the season with the New York Rangers.