WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals will be watching closely on Saturday against the Florida Panthers, as Alex Ovechkin looks to continue his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record.
Ovechkin enters Saturday's contest just six goals away from tying and seven goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record of 894.
The 39-year-old last scored in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, burying a backdoor feed from Aliaksei Protas. He has three goals and eight points in his last six outings and ranks fourth in the NHL this season with 35 goals.
Ovechkin has appeared in 73 games against Florida over his 20-year career, scoring a total of 45 goals and 90 points. He ranks first all-time in career goals, assists and points against Florida.
Vitek Vanecek will start for the Panthers, as Ovechkin could try to make him the 183rd goaltender he's ever scored on. He has played in four career games against his former teammate, but hasn't beaten him yet.
Right now, he is on pace to break the record on April 13 against the Columbus Blue Jackets at home.
Puck drop is at 5 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena.