Top 3 key Washington Capitals to watch against Buffalo Sabres

It's a Washington Capitals gameday on a Monday night in Buffalo against the Sabres

John Carlson, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
John Carlson, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images

#1 Alex Ovechkin

Alex Ovechkin scored his 19th goal of the season Saturday against the Rangers and has scored four goals in five games since returning to the lineup on Dec. 28 from a fractured fibula. He is 23 goals shy of passing Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in NHL history.

The 39 year old has scored 19 goals in 23 games this season. He entered the year 42 goals shy of passing him and has scored at least 42 goals in 13 of his 19 NHL seasons. Ovechkin's goal on Saturday stood as the game winner which marked his 133rd career game winning goal. He trails only Jaromir Jagr at 135 for the most game winning goals in NHL history.

WIth an assist on Tom Wilson's empty net goal on Saturday, Ovechkin passed Ray Bourque for the 12th most points in NHL history. Ovi is one goal shy of recording his 20th 20 goal season. With a goal tonight, he would tie Ron Francis (20) for the second most 20 goal seasons in NHL history. He can also join Gordie Howe (22) as the second player in NHL history to score 20 or more goals in 20 consecutive seasons.

Once again puck drop is tonight at 7 p.m. on Monumental Sports Network as well as NHL Network.

Schedule