With that goal, Ovechkin is now just 10 away from tying Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for most all-time (894). It was his 31st goal of the season in a 3-1 loss, Washington's third straight, but with 22 games remaining in the regular season, it's a brighter spot than most think.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alex Ovechkin scored the 884th goal of his NHL career late in the Washington Capitals’ 3-1 loss to the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, moving 10 away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s record.

Alex Ovechkin just keeps inching closer and closer to NHL history as he chases down Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record of 894. The Washington Capitals ' 39-year-old star has been on fire all season, making it clear it's no longer a question of if he'll break the record — it's when, even after suffering a broken leg earlier in the season.