Capitals Alex Ovechkin is chasing Wayne Gretzky's 894-goal NHL record, makes history with hat trick during Sunday's 7–3 win over the Oilers

Alex Ovechkin's impressive goals in the Washington Capitals' 7-3 victory against the Edmonton Oilers suggest he may break Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal record this season. Ovechkin's first goal was a snapshot from the high slot, which beat goalie Calvin Pickard low to the blocker side, increasing Washington's lead to 3-1. His second goal was a one-timer from the left circle, blowing past Pickard on the glove side, making it 4-1 at 18:39 of the second period.

Alex Ovechkin is close to surpassing Wayne Gretzky in the NHL with 894 goals, having recorded a hat trick against the Edmonton Oilers. His season goals tally now stands at 29 and his career tally at 882. Ovechkin's 32nd hat trick is the fifth most by a player all-time, and he has recorded 19 hat tricks after turning 30, surpassing Phil Esposito's record of 18.

“The goals he scored tonight were huge goals in the game,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said. “Obviously, when you score three, they have a big impact, but the moments when they were scored, the game was highly competitive.”
Ovechkin's world-class shot, his biggest weapon in scoring 882 goals, put him 13 away from surpassing Gretzky's total of 894. However, goal No. 882, an empty-netter, seemed to have some fate mixed into it. Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin's long outlet pass for Dylan Strome was too far ahead of him, leading to an icing with 2:56 remaining. The Oilers pulled Pickard for an extra attacker, making it a 6-on-5 game with a face-off coming in Washington's end.
Ovechkin, who stayed on ice for the icing and face-off, was surprised by Edmonton's decision to pull Pickard down by three goals. The sellout crowd of 18,753 cheered as Pickard skated to Edmonton's bench, realizing it would give Ovechkin an opportunity to move closer to history.
The Capitals defended in their zone, and after a one-timer from the point, Ovechkin dribbled the puck directly to him in the high slot, sliding it down the ice 139 feet into the empty net, setting off a cascade of hats from the stands.
Also Read: How far is Alex Ovechkin from Wayne Gretzky's career NHL goals?
The Capitals will face the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, with Ovechkin aiming to increase his goal of tying Gretzky's record.