Lidstrom broke the mark Sunday night against the Philadelphia Flyers and was given a standing ovation when the feat was announced during the first period.
Former Red Wings great Alex Delvecchio played 1,549 games, spending his entire career with Detroit's franchise from the 1950-51 season to 1973-74.
Gordie Howe played in a club-record 1,687 games for Detroit, but ended his NHL career with the Hartford Whalers.
The 41-year-old Lidstrom has won four Stanley Cups and the Norris Trophy seven times.