Ovechkin Nears NHL Record, Capitals in Playoffs

Alex Ovechkin is on the brink of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record of 894, with Ovechkin currently at 890 goals after his latest score in an 8-5 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. Despite the loss, the Washington Capitals have secured a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, largely due to Ovechkin's outstanding performance this season. The Capitals' recent defeat highlighted the unpredictability of games, even against non-playoff teams like the Sabres. Meanwhile, other NHL teams such as the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild are fiercely competing for playoff positions. The upcoming games are crucial for Ovechkin’s record chase, with the Capitals having nine games left in the regular season. Ovechkin's quest is also tied to a philanthropic campaign, with donations linked to his goal-scoring milestones supporting cancer research.