Capitals' Alex Ovechkin scores 893rd; 2 from setting record - ESPN

WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin scored his 893rd career goal Friday night to move one back of tying and two away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL record.

Ovechkin beat Spencer Knight 3:52 into the Washington Capitals' game against the Chicago Blackhawks. He moved closer to making hockey history with Gretzky in attendance for the first time during the chase.

Scoring in a fourth consecutive game, Ovechkin reached 40 goals for a 14th time in 20 seasons, which is the most in league history. It's the second 40-goal season ever by a player age 39 or older, joining Gordie Howe (44 in 1968-69 at age 40).

It also was Ovechkin's 242nd career first-period goal, breaking a tie with Gretzky (241) for the most in league history

The Eastern Conference-leading Capitals have six games left in the regular season with a visit to the New York Islanders up next Sunday.

Information from ESPN Research and The Associated Press was used in this report.