Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk delivered an ironman performance in the team`s thrilling Game 7 victory over the St. Louis Blues.
Pionk registered a remarkable 46 minutes and 15 seconds of ice time during the 4-3 win, which was decided in double overtime.
Beyond the immense ice time, Pionk was highly effective, contributing three assists. Notably, one of these helpers came on Adam Lowry`s goal in the second extra period, which secured the series win for the Jets.
His minutes total was historically significant; Pionk is the first player to skate over 40 minutes in a Game 7 since Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis did so for the Blues in 1999 against the Phoenix Coyotes.
Other players also shouldered heavy workloads in the extended game. Jets blueliner Dylan Samberg played 44:00, while Blues defensemen Colton Parayko and Cam Fowler logged 42:23 and 40:35 respectively.
However, Pionk`s ice time surpassed all others, largely due to his defensive partner Josh Morrissey leaving the game with an injury early in the first period, forcing Pionk into an even more prominent role.