The Washington Capitals’ star is just 17 goals shy of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record, thanks in large part to an avalanche of goals scored into an empty net.

WASHINGTON – Alex Ovechkin scored his 878th NHL goal in the Washington Capitals 6-3 win against the Florida Panthers at Capital One Arena on Tuesday.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 878th career goal into an empty net with 0.1 seconds left on the clock to move closer to Wayne Gretzky's NHL career record, and the Washington Capitals defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers 6-3 on Tuesday.

Lars Eller and Nic Dowd each scored a goal early in the third period and captain Alex Ovechkin added career goal No. 878, lifting the host Washington Capitals to a 6-3 victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.

Alex Ovechkin has been regarded as one of the best goal-scorers of this generation. However, he is well on his way to breaking the previously unbeatable record of 894 career goals set by The Great One, Wayne Gretzky. The best part? He can break that record this season.

Ovechkin, who is 18 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky ’s all-time record (894), tied the score 4-4 at 12:21 of the third period, scoring on a slap shot from just inside the blue line that went in off Connor Hellebuyck ’s glove. It was Ovechkin’s 24th goal of the season.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 878th career goal into an empty net with 0.1 seconds left on the clock to move closer to Wayne Gretzky's NHL career record, and the Washington Capitals defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers 6-3 on Tuesday night.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 878th career goal into an empty net with 0.1 seconds left on the clock to move closer to Wayne Gretzky’s in Washington’s win over the Florida Panthers.