Alex Ovechkin gets 888th career goal, 7 away from NHL record - ESPN

WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin is one step closer to NHL history after the «Great 8» reached a fitting number in his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's career goals record.

Ovechkin scored his 888th goal Thursday night in a 3-2 victory by the Washington Capitals over Philadelphia that helped them clinch a playoff berth, moving seven back of passing Gretzky's mark of 894 that long seemed unapproachable.

«Again a big goal at a big time,» goaltender Charlie Lindgren said. «Credit to Ovi: another big goal and another goal off the mark.»

With just over five minutes left in the first period, the puck hit linemate Aliaksei Protas in front and he passed it to Ovechkin. The 39-year-old beat Samuel Ersson for his 35th goal of the season, which is tied for fourth most in the league.

«It was a great play,» Ovechkin said. «Take it and move on.»

Confetti flew and Big Joe Turner's «Shake, Rattle and Roll» blared from speakers as mascot Slapshot flipped the goal counter in a corner of the arena from 887 to 888. Fans chanted «Ovi! Ovi!» as play resumed.

«Every time he scores, the crowd gets 10 times more involved and it just kind of blows up, and whatever happens after, they're still always cheering,» winger Andrew Mangiapane said. «It's a great atmosphere every time he gets a goal for us.»

Mangiapane, who wears jersey No. 88, saw the triple 8s and manifested he might get one, too. Midway through the second period, he scored.

«There was lots of 8s out there,» Ovechkin said.

Ovechkin at his current pace has a chance to to break Gretzky's record before the end of the regular season.

«It seemed like the last two years no one really expected it to happen this quick,» Flyers captain Sean Couturier said. «It's definitely special. I'm sure when we're done