Alex Ovechkin’s chase to break Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record continued on Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes. 

The Washington Capitals captain scored goal No. 39 of the season, but more importantly, it’s his 892nd career goal.

The 39-year-old is just two goals away from tying Gretzky’s 894 all-time total and three away from breaking it.

This goal came in classic Ovechkin fashion for the Capitals – on the power play.

He converted on a two-man advantage, which was the fourth power play of the game for the Capitals.

The play came from the right wall with Dylan Strome carrying the puck. He played it to the point for defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who slid it over to Ovechkin. He one-timed it home like he’s done so many times over his 20-year career.

His goal made it 4-1 for Carolina heading into the third period.

Gretzky is expected to be inside Lenovo Arena for this game and will follow the Capitals as Ovechkin approaches his record, according to The Athletic.

“My dad said, ‘You should be as happy and as proud of the guy who breaks your record as Gordie (Howe) is of you breaking his record,’ ” Gretzky said in an interview with lifestyle magazine Cigar Aficionado.

“Alex has been not only great for (the Washington Capitals) – he’s been great for the NHL, great for Russian kids playing hockey. He’s just been a true superstar for our league.”

Alex Ovechkin Vs. Wayne Gretzky: The Tale Of The Tape In NHL Record Chase Part of what makes Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal-scoring record so compelling is that the two players are polar opposites in some ways yet stunningly similar in others. 

This was Ovechkin’s 52nd career goal against the Hurricanes. He’s only scored more goals against the Winnipeg Jets (57), and that equals his number of tallies against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Ovechkin is now on pace to break the record in a home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 13. That’s five games away and allows two contests to spare before the end of the regular season.

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