The Washington Capitals defeated the San Jose Sharks by a final of 5-1 and Alex Ovechkin would score the game's final goal to bring him to eight goals away from bypassing Wayne Gretzky for the most goals of all time.
How it happened and what they're saying
Ovechkin created that play with an interception just before the neutral zone entry. Then Pierre-Luc Dubois found Martin Fehervary who then found Ovi up the middle for the quick strike for his 34th of the season and the 887th goal of his career.
"I think we had a pretty good start, all four lines rolling. Holding the puck, making smart decisons," said Ovechkin.
Ovechkin's goal marked his first career goal off San Jose Sharks goalie Gorgi Romanov, the 182nd such victim of Ovi's storied career.
"It's great. Lots of people are now watching and lots of attention. It's a great feeling. "Alex Ovechkin
Ovechkin also had an assist in the game while Logan Thompson made 19 saves in net. The 182nd goalies Ovi has scored on is an NHL record. Romanov is an undrafted 25 year old netminder that entered the game in relief for his third NHL game (all in relief).
Ovechkin's goal also came on the third anniversary Ovechkin passed Jaromir Jagr (766) for the sole possession of third plae on the NHL all-time goals list.
The Sharks are the same team Wayne Gretzky faced when he tied Gordie Howe's NHL goals record in 1994. Ovechkin is now eight goals away from the new League benchmark.
Washington also closed their three game Califorinia road trip by improving their road record to 23-9-2 including 10-2-2 in 14 road games since Jan. 1. Their .727 points percentage on the road leads the NHL this season.
"Hopefully that helps him, because you could feel that he was gripping it a little bit. The power play has been struggling and he hasn't been getting many quality looks with his line, and so for him to get that goal, hopefully that's a good boost for him and grabs him some momentum heading back home and going into our (three) home games this week. "Spencer Carbery
At 39 years old, Ovechkin ranks tied for fifth in the NHL in goals this season despite missing 16 games due to injury. Only Leon Draisaitl (age 29), William Nylander (age 28), Mark Scheifele (age 31) and Kyle Connor (age 28) have more goals than Ovechkin.
Ovechkin has scored 34 goals in 51 games this season which is good for a 0.67 goals per game pace and that stretch also includes 12 goals in his last 17 games.
Next up for the Caps is three home games. First up is the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night at 7 p.m. on Monumental Sports Network. Then on Thursday they'll host the Philadelphia Flyers before the Florida Panthers come to town that Saturday.