Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is getting oh-so-close to breaking The Great One's NHL goals record. Could he even do it in fewer games than Gretzky?

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates his empty net goal with defenseman Matt Roy (3) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers, Tuesday ...

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is closing in on the NHL goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin has 879 goals and needs 16 to break the record. Ovechkin entered the season 42 ...

(Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP, File) FILE - Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) skates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Florida Panthers ...

Feb 6, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates win against the Philadelphia Flyers during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory ...

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) reacts after his goal next to centre Dylan Strome (17) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets, Saturday ...

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) reacts after his goal next to center Dylan Strome (17) during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets, Saturday ...

Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin is inching closer to an NHL scoring record that many thought was unbreakable. The ...