Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin scores goal No. 888, now seven away from all-time NHL record

That’s No. 888 for No. 8.

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin scored the 888th goal of his NHL career on Thursday night, beating Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson during the first period.

Ovechkin scored at 14:15, with the Russian winger converting on a rebound opportunity originally created by Trevor van Riemsdyk. The goal comes five days after his last when he redirected Martin Fehervary’s point shot past San Jose’s Georgi Romanov.

Brandon Duhaime later scored in the second period to give the Capitals a 2-0 lead.

Wayne Gretzky holds the all-time scoring record with 894 goals. Ovechkin sits at 888, so he needs just seven in the next 14 games to break the record this season. Ovechkin missed time with an injury this season, but it hasn’t slowed him down. He’s on pace for over 40 goals, and would have likely broken 50 in a full campaign. The 39-year-old is playing some of his best hockey in recent memory, and the Capitals have been near the top of the NHL standings all season long as a result.

In 1,479 career games, Ovechkin has registered 719 assists and 1,607 points. He has won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy nine times, scoring 50 or more goals on nine occasions and scoring a career-high 65 goals during the 2007-08 campaign.

Just last month, Ovechkin became the fourth player aged 39 or older to score 30 goals in a season.

Heading into Thursday night’s affair, the Capitals (45-15-8) remain atop the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference. Washington is currently tied with the Winnipeg Jets for the best record in the NHL.

The Capitals will host the Florida Panthers on Saturday before facing off against the Jets on March 25. The Capitals entered Thursday with a 7-3-0 record over the past 10 games, including a two-game winning streak.

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