Alex Ovechkin just moved one step closer to hockey immortality, scoring his 888th career goal in the Washington Capitals’ 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.
He’s now just six goals away from Wayne Gretzky’s seemingly untouchable record of 894.
The 38-year-old Russian superstar got things started early, pouncing on a loose puck after a Flyers blocked shot. Aliaksei Protas found him with a perfect pass, and Ovi did what he does best – firing it past goalie Samuel Ersson’s right pad.
“It’s not just about scoring,” Ovechkin said after the game, quick to praise teammate Charlie Lindgren’s impressive 27-save performance.
Brandon Duhaime added his eighth of the season in the second period, while Andrew Mangiapane rounded out the scoring at 11:06.
The win was huge for Washington. They’ve now clinched a playoff spot and became the first NHL team to hit 100 points this season.
“Our goal was to make the playoffs this year,” Ovechkin explained. “It’s hard. Every game is hard, especially at the end because every team is fighting.”
He’s seen plenty of playoff races in his 19 years as the face of the Capitals. This time feels different though – there’s history on the line.
With 13 games left in the regular season, the countdown is officially on. Hockey fans everywhere are asking the same question: Will tonight be the night Ovi breaks The Great One’s record?
The anticipation is building with each passing game. After chasing this record for what feels like forever, Ovechkin’s date with destiny is finally within reach.
