Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of making history as he ties Wayne Gretzky's all-time goals record at 894. In a thrilling matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, Ovechkin scored twice in the third period before being faced with the opportunity for an empty-net goal. However, he chose to remain on the bench, expressing the desire to break the record in a more prestigious fashion, rather than with an easy goal.

Ovechkin's selfless decision allowed rookie Ryan Leonard to score his first career goal. Despite Ovechkin’s absence for that moment, he returned to the ice and made several attempts to secure his hat trick but was thwarted by Spencer Knight, the Blackhawks' goalie. The Capitals ultimately won 5-3, leaving Ovechkin with six games remaining to break the record, a milestone that carries great significance for him.