Alex Ovechkin reached another milestone, scoring his 885th career goal during the Capitals' thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the New York Rangers. With this goal, Ovechkin moves within nine of Wayne Gretzky's NHL record. The Capitals' captain capitalized on a loose puck, demonstrating his knack for being in the right place at the right time. Coach Spencer Carbery praised Ovechkin's dramatic flair in crucial game moments, emphasizing how vital this goal was for the team.

In the context of his season, Ovechkin has been prolific, netting 32 goals in 46 games after a stint on the sidelines due to injury. His record-breaking pace suggests he could surpass Gretzky's long-standing mark of 894 goals by early April. Ovechkin's power-play goal further solidifies his status as the all-time leader in power-play goals, and he is just one point away from reaching 1,600 career points.

The Washington Capitals have brought defenseman Alex Alexeyev back from a conditioning loan with the Hershey Bears, following his impressive stint where he notched two assists and a +5 rating in just three games. The team has also made roster adjustments by placing Jakub Vrana on waivers, allowing for new acquisitions as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches. Alexeyev's performance this season, including five games with the Capitals and a total of 39 appearances, showcases his potential as he looks to solidify his role on the roster.

With the deadline looming, the Capitals are reportedly searching for a third-line center to enhance their competitiveness. Alexeyev has already contributed eight points in his NHL career and has shown promise in the AHL, where he recorded 52 points in 145 games. His development at a critical time could play a significant role in Washington's playoff push.

The NHL schedule features five games today, headlined by two prime-time matchups: the Washington Capitals facing off against the New York Rangers at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights at 10 p.m. ET. The Maple Leafs, coming off a heartbreaking shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks, will seek redemption against the Golden Knights, who recently secured a win against the New Jersey Devils. The Ducks also look to keep their momentum against the Canucks, capitalizing on recent form. The St. Louis Blues aim to rebound against the Los Angeles Kings, who are struggling offensively.

Alex Ovechkin has made another significant stride in his quest to surpass Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record, scoring the tying goal against the New York Rangers. This goal brings Ovechkin to 885 career goals, just ten shy of Gretzky's 894. His performance not only helped the Washington Capitals secure a 3-2 overtime victory but also tied him with Gretzky for the most game-tying goals scored in the last ten minutes of regulation in NHL history.

Jack Eichel and Tim Stützle also shone bright in their respective games, each hitting the 20-goal mark this season. Eichel's contributions led the Golden Knights to victory over the Maple Leafs, while Stützle's overtime winner secured a crucial win for the Senators, placing them in the final wild card spot of the Eastern Conference.

Alex Ovechkin continues his pursuit of greatness, scoring his 885th career goal against the New York Rangers, just nine shy of Wayne Gretzky's all-time record. This pivotal goal came in the third period, leveling the game at 2-2 and showcasing Ovechkin's enduring prowess on the ice.

This season, Ovechkin has been a scoring machine, netting 32 goals in 46 games, including an impressive 15 in his first 18 before being sidelined with a fractured fibula. Since his return on December 28, he's tallied 17 goals in 28 games, putting him on pace to challenge Gretzky's seemingly insurmountable record of 894 goals.