Ovechkin Nears Gretzky’s Record as Capitals Face Canadiens

Alex Ovechkin is inching closer to Wayne Gretzky‘s all-time NHL goals record as the Washington Capitals prepare to host the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night. Ovechkin, the Capitals’ captain, is just 23 goals shy of surpassing Gretzky’s record of 894, a milestone that has stood for decades.

The Capitals (27-10-4) enter the game on a five-game point streak (3-0-2) and have been dominant at home, boasting a nine-game home point streak (7-0-2). Ovechkin’s pursuit of history has been a focal point of the season, and his performance could be pivotal in this matchup against a surging Canadiens team.

Montreal (19-18-3) has been one of the hottest teams in the NHL, going 8-2-0 in their last 10 games. Rookie defenseman Lane Hutson has been a standout, becoming the fastest Canadiens defenseman to reach 30 points in just 42 games, surpassing Chris Chelios‘ previous record of 45 games. Forward Cole Caufield has also been on fire, scoring in four consecutive games.

This game could serve as a potential preview of the Eastern Conference First Round, with both teams vying for playoff positioning. The Capitals currently sit atop the Eastern Conference, while the Canadiens are fighting for a wild card spot in a tightly contested race.

Ovechkin’s chase for Gretzky’s record has captivated hockey fans worldwide. ‘It’s incredible to watch history unfold,’ said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery. ‘Alex has been a model of consistency and excellence throughout his career, and we’re all excited to see him get closer to this milestone.’

The game will be broadcast nationally, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.