Ovechkin's next goal will put him alongside some all-time greats

With just one more tally in the goal column, Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin will join some of the game's all-time greats. 

With his next goal, Ovechkin will eclipse the 50-goal mark for the sixth time in his career. When he does so, which seems inevitable with six games remaining, he will tie greats Marcel Dionne, Guy Lafleur and Mario Lemieux for the second most 50-goal seasons in NHL history. 

What is remarkable is also the fact that Ovechkin is on the verge of reaching the mark in just his 10th season in the league. The same feat was achieved by Lemieux and Lafleur who played over 17 seasons while Dionne played 19. 

The record for the most 50-goal seasons in a career is held by Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky who each did so nine times. So, if Ovechkin can stay healthy and consistent it's not unreasonable to think he could match the record. 

The 29-year-old will get his next chance at hitting 50 Tuesday when he and the Capitals face the Carolina Hurricanes.