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Watch: Ovechkin breaks his own NHL goal record vs. Blue Jackets
Washington Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin. Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Watch: Alex Ovechkin breaks his own NHL goal record vs. Blue Jackets

Alexander Ovechkin broke the all-time NHL goal record (again).

The Washington Capitals captain scored career goal No. 896 early in the first period on Sunday to put his team ahead 1-0 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

He extended the record he already claimed outright from Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky on April 6.

Ovechkin beat goaltender Jet Greaves just over a minute into the period, the 184th different goalie he's victimized in his 20-season career.

He's fourth in the NHL in goals this season with 43, even after missing 16 games with a broken leg.

After passing Gretzky, every goal Ovechkin scores for the rest of his career is technically a record breaker. He still has one more year left on his contract with Washington.

The Capitals clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference on Thursday and will meet the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a victory over Columbus on Sunday.

Austen Bundy

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

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