After a wild schedule of road games and cross-country flights, the Edmonton Oilers kicked off their six-game home stand against Alex Ovechkin and the red-hot Washington Capitals.

As Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin approaches Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal record, he took some time to recognize 'The Great One's' accomplishment.

It wasn't the most exciting showdown between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators, but instead, a goalie duel between rising starter Logan Thompson and rookie Leevi Meriläinen. Then, Alex Ovechkin did what he does best: steal the show.

After a scoreless 60 minutes, of course it was Alex Ovechkin to lift the Capitals in the three-on-three extra period.

Ethen Frank added his second NHL goal as Washington won consecutive games for the first time since before the Christmas break.

The 39-year-old winger took a pass from Rasmus Sandin on a 2-on-1 breakaway and fired it past rookie Leevi Merilainen, the record 179th goaltender he's scored on.

Rather than ice a roster merely helping Ovi break Gretzky's record, the Caps have been one of the NHL's best. Here's how they threaded the needle.

Alex Ovechkin is closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal record. Ovechkin has scored 872 goals in 1,451 games. He is just 23 goals away from breaking Gretzky's tally of 894 goals in 1,487 games.

Washington Capitals found a strong opponent in the Ottawa Senators as both teams failed to score any goals during the first three periods. Alex Ovechkin broke the tie in overtime. His goal came off a pass from Rasmus Sandin during a 2-on-1. He fired a snap shot past Senators goalie Leevi Merilainen.

Each morning, we will bring you three key NHL stories. Here, you can stay updated on the latest team wins and losses, trade talk, and player news from around the NHL.

WASHINGTON — Pierre-Luc Dubois scored his second goal of the game late in overtime, Logan Thompson made 30 ... He is 23 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL career record.

After a wild schedule of road games and cross-country flights, the Edmonton Oilers kicked off their six-game home stand against Alex Ovechkin and the red-hot Washington Capitals.