Bruce Boudreau always saw greatness in “The Great 8”. The former Vancouver Canucks head coach guided Alex Ovechkin for nearly five seasons with the Washington Capitals. His awe of the NHL superstar became a conviction that he would one day eclipse Wayne Gretzky’s career goal record of 894.

Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has now moved within 23 goals of catching Wayne Gretzky for most goals in NHL history.

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is closing in on the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin has 870 goals and needs 25 to set a new record.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 872nd career goal to move 23 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record, and the Washington Capitals beat the struggling New York Rangers 7-4.

Dylan Strome had a goal and two assists, Alex Ovechkin added his 872nd career goal and the Washington Capitals earned a 7-4 victory against the visiting New York Rangers on Saturday.

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin scored in the third period of the Capitals' 7-4 win over the New York Rangers on Saturday afternoon, bringing him within 23 of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time scoring record.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 872nd career goal to move 23 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record, and the Washington Capitals beat the struggling New York Rangers 7-4 Saturday. Ovechkin has four goals in five games since returning from missing the previous 16 because of a broken left leg.