Alex Ovechkin (Amber Searls-Imagn Images)Alex Ovechkin stands beside Wayne Gretzky as the top goal-scorers in NHL history, and he’s one goal away from breaking the record.
After scoring goal No. 893 early on Friday night’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Ovechkin notched No. 894 in the third period. He tied Wayne Gretzky's goals count in one fewer game and is one goal from standing alone.
"It's fun," Ovechkin told Monumental Sports on the bench after the game.
"Right now, so emotional, you never thought you can reach this milestone, and how I always said, without all my teammates, all my partners, you guys (the fans), obviously my family, my mom, my wife, they support, they do everything I need, and it's great."
Gretzky was in Capital One Arena watching history unfold and received a standing ovation from Caps fans in the first period.
The opening goal happened four minutes into Washington’s battle with the Blackhawks. That was Ovechkin’s 40th goal of the year, the 14th time he achieved that mark in his 20-year career. He has the most 40-goal seasons in NHL history, breaking the tie with Gretzky's 12 campaigns last year.
Defenseman John Carlson played the puck along the wall and found Dylan Strome behind Chicago’s net. Strome picked out the Capitals captain, who fired home a one-timer from point-blank.
Ovechkin beat goaltender Spencer Knight for the fourth time in his career. His shot beat Knight’s blocker but rang off the post. Luckily for Ovechkin, it bounced off the backside of the Blackhawks’ netminder and crossed the goal line.
The second goal of the game came on the power play.
With 13:47 left in the third period, Ovechkin stood at the left faceoff circle uncovered and buried a pass into the open net.
Ovechkin’s goals against the Blackhawks puts him on a four-game goal streak.
In his three games leading up to Friday’s outing, along with three goals, he provided an additional three assists for six points.
After the game, the Blackhawks players lined up to congratulate Ovechkin on tying the record. The Capitals captain then stood at center ice to salute the crowd and went to the glass to fist bump his two sons through the glass.
Washington plays next on Sunday afternoon against the New York Islanders in UBS Arena on and return home to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday.
Further down the schedule, the Capitals take on the Columbus Blue Jackets on the road on April 12 and at home on April 13. Ovechkin scored his first career NHL goal against the Blue Jackets on Oct. 5, 2005. Nearly 20 years later, he can break the record against them, if he doesn’t do it in the next two games.
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