Ovechkin eclipses Gretzky and Francis in the same night
Alex Ovechkin is at a fun stage in his career. It seems every goal carries with it some historical significance.
The generational sniper scored a go-ahead power-play marker in Washington's 5-3 win Wednesday over the Boston Bruins, and in the process eclipsed two Top 100 brethren.
Ovechkin's goal was the 550th of his career, which moved him passed Ron Francis for 27th all time. And because it came from his common home on the power play, he exceeded Wayne Gretzky on the all-time goals list when on the man advantage.
His 205th career power-play goal moved him into a tie with Joe Sakic for 14th all time, and 69 back of the NHL record held by Dave Andreychuk.
If he reaches the 40-goal plateau this year (he's at 25 through 50 games), he will exceed John Bucyk, Guy Lafleur, Mike Modano, Joe Nieuwendyk, and Mats Sundin, and improve to 22nd in NHL history.
He's 251 goals behind Gordie Howe for second all time, and 344 behind Gretzky's record of 894 goals.