Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is already one of the most heralded players in NHL history. The legendary forward already has a ton of records on the NHL history books, but there's one more still to go that could put him in the pantheon of all-time greats.

Alex Ovechkin moved another step closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record by scoring on Marc-Andre Fleury again

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist, Ethen Frank got his first NHL goal and the Washington Capitals beat the Nashville Predators 4-1 on Saturday night. Tom Wilson and Andrew Mangiapane also scored for the Capitals. Logan Thompson stopped 32 shots as the Capitals won for the second time in three games.

Alex Ovechkin has four goals in five games since returning from a broken leg. The Washington Capitals captain now has 19 this season and at 872 in his career is 23 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL record.

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is closing in on the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin has 873 goals and needs 22 to set a new record. Ovechkin entered the season 42 short of breaking a record by “The Great One” that long seemed unapproachable.

After an overtime win over Carolina, Ducks will try to slow one of NHL’s top teams and Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s record.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Washington Capitals vs. Nashville Predators NHL game from January 11, 2025 on ESPN.

A long-standing record is close to being broken. On Saturday evening, Alexander Ovechkin potted an empty net goal for his 20th of the season, giving him 873 career goals.