Alex Ovechkin Scores 879th Career Goal, Closing in on Gretzky's Record

The Washington Capitals captain is now just 16 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL all-time scoring record after a key performance against the Flyers.

Ovechkin's goal against the Flyers marked his 879th career goal, leaving him 16 goals shy of surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record of 894 goals.
The 39-year-old also tied Mario Lemieux for the most four-game goal streaks in NHL history, with 34 such streaks; Gretzky is third with 30.
Washington secured a 4-3 win over Philadelphia after third-period goals by Lars Eller and Jakob Chychrun, overcoming a 3-2 deficit entering the final period.
Philadelphia rookie Matvei Michkov scored twice and nearly completed a hat trick with a Michigan-style attempt, but Washington's Charlie Lindgren made a crucial save late in the game.
Ovechkin's season tally now stands at 26 goals, marking the 19th season he has scored 25 or more goals, just one season shy of Gordie Howe's record of 20 such campaigns.