Watch: Alex Ovechkin scores goal No. 860, now 35 from passing Wayne Gretzky

The first period power play strike evened the score at 1-1, marking Ovechkin's seventh tally of the season and his 860th career goal.

He is now just 35 away from passing Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for most all-time (894).

Ovechkin has scored five times in Washington's last four games. He's also notched nine points in his last 10 periods played.

The last time Ovechkin began a season with at least seven goals in his first 11 games was back at the start of the 2021-22 season (10 goals).

He now sits tied for the team lead in goals with fellow forward Connor McMichael and is second in points (14). 

Washington entered Sunday's contest on top of the Metropolitan Division, one point ahead of the fourth place Hurricanes.