At this point, the record falling looks imminent. But when? Now that's an interesting and possibly infuriating question.

The Great Eight is within striking distance of Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record of 894, which Gretzky reached on March 29, 1999, against the New York Islanders. Ovechkin began this season with 853 career goals. He remains at 870 after failing to score during Washington's 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins during a New Year's Eve matinee.

It wasn't exactly the emphatic return fans were expecting or hoping for from Alexander Ovechkin, but he got on the score sheet all the same.

From a scorching start to the year, Alex Ovechkin is flirting with history. After an untimely injury, how many goals will he score this year?

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is closing in on the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin has 868 goals after scoring 15 in the first 18 games this season. He needs 27 to set a new record.