Ovechkin's chase to pass Gretzky can now be counted ... Ovechkin is now on pace to break Gretzky's career goals record by the end of this season, per all three methodologies ESPN Research has ...

As Alex Ovechkin closes in on what some considered one of the most unassailable records in NHL history – Wayne Gretzky’s 894 goals – let’s look back at how the wondrous winger ended up in the National Hockey League.

In this edition, former Buffalo Sabres coach Don Granato writes about Alex Ovechkin, who is five goals from breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL record of 894 as the Washington Capitals visit the Boston Bruins on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; MNMT, NESN, TVAS2, SN1).

"So there will be a lot more fanfare and production and some high-powered fans who are following Ovechkin’s push here, of late." The 39-year-old winger netted No. 891 on a power

The Capitals have eight more games remaining in the NHL season, meaning Ovechkin needs to average one goal every two games to break the record. The playoffs don't count toward career totals, so Ovechkin's chase would carry into the 2025-26 season if he doesn't break the record by the end of the regular season.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is five goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal record with odds increasing for it to happen versus the New York Islanders

Alex Ovechkin is one of the hottest NHL bets, here are the special markets bettors can bet on as he closes in on the goals scored record.

Ovechkin had a chance to score his 892nd after the Bruins pulled goalie Jeremy Swayman for an extra attacker late in the game, but he fired wide right of the vacated net from outside the Boston blue line with 1:01 remaining. He’ll try again against the Hurricanes on Wednesday.

Alex Ovechkin is only a hat trick away now. The Capitals star's goal Tuesday against the Bruins put him at 891 for his career, three short of Wayne Gretzky's NHL record. Ovechkin is now in a realistic position to reach the magic number of 894 in a single game.