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 after scoring 17 in his first 20 games this season. He needs 25 to set a new record.

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.

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

Here's today's NHL Nugget – this Milestone Monday heads to Dec. 30, 1981, when Wayne Gretzky had a night to remember with the Edmonton Oilers. Gretzky scored five goals against the Philadelphia Flyers to reach the 50-goal mark in 39 games, shattering an NHL record in the process.

Ovechkin’s goal, for the record, was his 60th empty netter, the most in NHL history. More importantly, it brought him to within 25 goals -- of any kind -- of matching Gretzky’s mark of 894, a chase the entire hockey world will be watching for the remainder of the season.