Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is already one of the most heralded players in NHL history. The legendary forward already has a ton of records on the NHL history books, but there's one more still to go that could put him in the pantheon of all-time greats.

Alex Ovechkin is creeping ever closer to NHL history. It's been known for some time that Ovechkin has a legitimate shot at breaking Wayne Gretzky's career goals record should he stay healthy and keep up his blistering scoring pace.

Alex Ovechkin scored the 873rd goal of his career on Saturday to bring him 21 goals shy of tying Wayne Gretzky's record.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist, Ethen Frank got his first NHL goal and the Washington Capitals beat the Nashville Predators 4-1 on Saturday night. Tom Wilson and Andrew Mangiapane also scored for the Capitals. Logan Thompson stopped 32 shots as the Capitals won for the second time in three games.

Ovechkin is now just the second player in NHL history, joining Gordie Howe, to hit 20 goals in 20 consecutive seasons. He is now two 20-goal campaigns away from the most in NHL history, a record still held by Howe.

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is closing in on the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky.

A long-standing record is close to being broken. On Saturday evening, Alexander Ovechkin potted an empty net goal for his 20th of the season, giving him 873 career goals.