As Alex Ovechkin closes in on what some considered one of the most unassailable records in NHL history – Wayne Gretzky’s 894 goals – let’s look back at how the wondrous winger ended up in the National Hockey League.

As Ovechkin moves closer to rewriting the record books, other NHL professionals opened up about their interactions with him over the years. Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz, who coached Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals from 2014 to 2018, recounted what he found most impressive about the Russian.

The game will be stopped for a ceremony when Alex Ovechkin passes Wayne Gretzky for most all-time goals, regardless of playoff implications.

Alex Ovechkin needs four goals to break Wayne Gretzky's NHL career record. Follow along as the Washington Capitals play the Carolina Hurricanes:

The Washington Capitals Alex Ovechkin is on the precipice of making history. With a game tonight versus the Boston Bruins, Ovi sits just five goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all time record of 895.

Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s career goal-scoring record has captivated NHL audiences, including those sitting inside the Hurricanes’ locker room.