Overview

• Ovechkin scored his 878th career goal with 0.1 seconds remaining in the Capitals' 6-3 win over the Florida Panthers, closing the gap to Gretzky's record to 17 goals.
• The 39-year-old has tallied 25 goals in 37 games this season, marking his 19th season with at least 25 goals, second only to Gordie Howe's record of 20 seasons.
• Critics have highlighted Ovechkin's use of empty-net goals, including six this season, though such goals are common among other top scorers in the league.
• The Capitals lead the Metropolitan Division with a strong 35-11-7 record, positioning themselves as contenders for another Stanley Cup run under Ovechkin's leadership.
• Ovechkin's pursuit of the record is expected to continue into late March or early April, with fans and analysts closely following his progress in the remaining regular season games.