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.

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.