Ovechkin is making up for time lost during his injury absence, scoring his second goal in as many games since returning. His 17th of the season was assisted by Jakob Chychrun and Connor McMichael.

What a year it has been for Connor McMichael. The 2019 first round pick is up to 17 goals in 40 games and is three points away from setting a new career high. With the way McMichael has been playing this season, the Canucks will need to keep an extra eye on him throughout the game.

The fact Ovechkin is accelerating through the finish line is making this chase of Gretzky even more compelling. And consider the broader implications beyond just the all-time goal scoring record: the Capitals are currently leading the Metropolitan Division and appear primed for a deep playoff push.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 872nd career goal to move 23 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record, and the Washington Capitals beat the struggling New York Rangers 7-4 Saturday.

Coaching Alex Ovechkin for three seasons has normalized ... “It’s incredible,” teammate Connor McMichael said. “Ever since I was a kid, I grew up watching him do all these amazing things ...