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Watch: Ovechkin scores goal No. 890, five away from record
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring a goal past Buffalo Sabres goaltender James Reimer (47) during the third period at Capital One Arena. Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Watch: Alex Ovechkin scores goal No. 890, five away from record

Bellowing fans broke into chants of "Ovi! Ovi! Ovi!" across Capital One Arena on Sunday as if Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin had just scored a game-winning goal.

Well, he scored, but the team was still down 6-4 to the Buffalo Sabres halfway through the third period.

Capitals fans didn't care though as Ovechkin had just notched his 890th career tally, leaving him just five from passing Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for most all-time (894).

Ovechkin managed to get the tip of his stick on the puck to sneak it past Buffalo goalie James Reimer, his 20th red light turned on in third periods this season. That's the most in the NHL, per the Monumental Sports Network broadcast.

The 39-year-old has recorded 37 goals in 57 games during the 2024-25 season. It's been an impressive campaign given he missed 16 games with a broken leg suffered in late November.

Washington has nine games remaining in the regular season. "The Great Eight," as he's called, is on pace to tie Gretzky's record on April 12 against the Columbus Blue Jackets and pass him on April 15 against the New York Islanders.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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