Overview

• Alexander Ovechkin is just five goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goal-scoring record of 894.
• Wayne Gretzky, the current record holder, has expressed his support for Ovechkin, calling the pursuit a positive moment for the sport.
• Ovechkin scored his 37th goal of the season in a recent game, bringing his career total to 890, though the Capitals suffered their third consecutive loss.
• The Washington Capitals have secured a playoff spot, and Ovechkin has emphasized balancing his personal achievement with team success.
• Ovechkin’s legacy is celebrated for his unmatched scoring prowess but remains complicated due to his ties to Vladimir Putin and lack of condemnation of Russia's actions in Ukraine.