Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is closing in on the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin has 870 goals and needs 25 to set a new record.

At this point, the record falling looks imminent. But when? Now that's an interesting and possibly infuriating question.

The Great Eight is within striking distance of Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goals record of 894, which Gretzky reached on March 29, 1999, against the New York Islanders. Ovechkin began this season with 853 career goals. He remains at 870 after failing to score during Washington's 3-1 win over the Boston Bruins during a New Year's Eve matinee.

The Washington Capitals welcomed captain Alexander Ovechkin back into the lineup this past weekend for the first time in over a month due to a lower-body injury.