Ovechkin nets 891st career goal, sits four from passing Gretzky for all-time record

Career goal No. 891 was an easy one for Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin on Tuesday night. The Boston Bruins left the 39-year-old open in front of the net for a quick and easy shot into the back of the net. 

Ovechkin now needs just four goals to pass Wayne Gretzky for the NHL goals record. 

The Russian’s latest goal — with assists from Dylan Strome and John Carlson — gave Washington a 2-0 lead in Boston on a power lay with about four minutes left in the first period. 

Ovechkin and the Eastern Conference-leading Capitals will have eight regular-season games remaining after Tuesday night. Ovechkin has 12 goals in his last 18 games. The 39-year-old Russian has 38 goals this season and is on track to reach 40 for the 14th time — also the most in league history — despite missing 16 games because of a broken left fibula.

Even with a playoff spot clinched, Capitals coach Spencer Carbery has said there’s no chance he rests Washington’s all-time leading goal scorer before he breaks the record.

“Can you imagine if I did that?” he told reporters last month.

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PHOTOS: Capitals' Alex Ovechkin on track to break Gretzky's NHL career goals record

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The Capitals return to the ice on Wednesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes. 

This article is based in part on wire service reports.