Hockey

Ovechkin scores 887th goal, moves within 8 of breaking Gretzky's record

Alex Ovechkin scored his 887th career goal Saturday to move within eight of breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL record.

The 39-year-old Russian star has 34 goals on the season

Male hockey player waits for face off
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin waits for a face off during the second period against the San Jose Sharks in an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday. (Tony Avelar/AP)

Alex Ovechkin scored his 887th career goal Saturday against the San Jose Sharks to move within eight of breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL record.

Ovechkin deflected a shot from Martin Fehervary past Georgi Romanov with 9:06 remaining in the third period.

WATCH | Ovechkin scores 887th career goal with outstanding deflection, 8 shy from breaking Gretzky's record:

Ovechkin scores 887th career goal with outstanding deflection, 8 shy from breaking Gretzky's record

13 hours ago
Duration 1:23
Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin scored the 887th goal of his career in a 5-1 win over the San Jose Sharks and is now eight goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record.

Romanov is the NHL-record 182nd goalie that Ovechkin has scored on. The Capitals went on to win 5-1.

The 39-year-old Russian star has 34 goals on the season. He remains on pace before the end of this season to pass Gretzky's mark of 894 that long seemed unapproachable before the end of this season.