Ovechkin’s goal, for the record, was his 60th empty netter, the most in NHL history. More importantly, it brought him to within 25 goals -- of any kind -- of matching Gretzky’s mark of 894, a chase the entire hockey world will be watching for the remainder of the season.

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.

Follow along as the Capitals star chases down Wayne Gretzky's record, including highlights of each goal and the upcoming schedule.

Alex Ovechkin has returned to the Washington Capitals lineup after missing almost six weeks with a fractured fibula, and he has not missed a beat. In back-to-back