Ovechkin passes Gretzky for most all-time road goals

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin tied and subsequently broke Wayne Gretzky's record for most away goals in NHL history after scoring twice in the first period against the Vancouver Canucks.

His 402nd career road tally came just 5:35 into the opening frame when he surprised Canucks netminder Spencer Martin in front for an unassisted marker.

Lucky No. 403 came just over six minutes later off of a blistering one-timer.

Ovechkin has grown accustomed to setting records thanks to his penchant for sniping.

"It is always nice when you beat the Great One, doesn't matter what kind of milestone it is," he said of his achievement postgame, according to the Washington Post's Samantha Pell. "It is history."

While Ovechkin may have broken one of Gretzky's records, he's still 101 goals behind the Great One for the most in NHL history.

Tuesday's two tallies bring Ovechkin's season total to 13, putting him on pace for 44 goals over an 82-game campaign.

His performance helped propel the Capitals to a 5-1 victory in Vancouver.

Ovechkin, 37, still has plenty of time to break Gretzky's all-time goals benchmark, as he has three more years remaining on his deal after this season.