Overview
- Alex Ovechkin scored his 888th career goal, moving within seven goals of surpassing Wayne Gretzky's NHL record of 894.
- The Washington Capitals defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2, marking their third consecutive win and securing their spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs as the first team to do so this season.
- Ovechkin has scored 35 goals in 53 games this season, despite missing 16 games due to a broken leg earlier in the year.
- The Capitals' success this season contrasts with their struggles last year, when they were the last team to clinch a playoff berth.
- Former Capitals teammate Nicklas Backstrom plans to attend games as Ovechkin approaches Gretzky's record, adding a personal touch to the historic pursuit.