Alex Ovechkin Nears All-Time NHL Goal Record
WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin wasted no time in moving closer to Wayne Gretzky`s NHL all-time goal record.
Ovechkin scored against Spencer Knight at 3:52 of the first period in the Washington Capitals` home game versus the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night. Dylan Strome passed to Ovechkin from behind the net, and Ovechkin banked the puck into the net off the post and Knight`s back.
Ovechkin`s goal song, “Shake, Rattle & Roll” by Big Joe Turner, played in the arena as the goal counter changed from 892 to 893. Fans cheered for Ovechkin both before and after play continued.
Gretzky was present to witness Ovechkin`s progress towards hockey history.
With a goal in his fourth straight game, Ovechkin reached the 40-goal mark for the 14th time in his career, over 20 seasons, a league record. The Capitals, leading the Eastern Conference, have six games remaining in the regular season, with their next game against the New York Islanders on Sunday.
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Tristan Blackwood