Christopher Hennessy is an MLB associate editor at ClutchPoints, with additional expertise in the NHL and golf. He graduated with a journalism degree from Fordham University in 2022, and he has work experience at Spectrum News One in Albany, New York and with The Hockey Writers as a New York Islanders reporter.

Alex Ovechkin is just a hat trick away from passing Wayne Gretzky as the NHL's all-time career goals leader. With his 39th goal of the season in Wednesday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes Ovi sits at 892 for his career -- two from tying Gretzky's record of 894. And eerily, on a similar games played pace.

At the time of publication, Washington Capitals star Alexander Ovechkin is two goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal record. As of now, the 39-year-old left wing has 892 scores under his belt; “the Great One” ended his career with 894.

Reminders of Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record are all over Washington and the surrounding suburbs of the nation’s capital.

Ovechkin had a chance to score his 892nd after the Bruins pulled goalie Jeremy Swayman for an extra attacker late in the game, but he fired wide right of the vacated net from outside the Boston blue line with 1:01 remaining. He’ll try again against the Hurricanes on Wednesday.

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin scored his 892nd career goal Wednesday and is now three tally shy of breaking Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky’s 31-year NHL record.

Alex Ovechkin moved within three goals of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record after scoring the 892nd of his career Wednesday night.

When Alex Ovechkin sets the NHL's all-time scoring record, The Great One will be there. Wayne Gretzky will be part of a traveling caravan that will attend every Washington Capitals game until Ovechkin breaks the record, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 891st career goal and Dylan Strome broke a third-period tie to lead the Washington Capitals to a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins.