Washington (42-14-8), which has won four in a row, is tied with the Winnipeg Jets for first in the NHL with 92 points. Selanne believes Ovechkin’s record chase is fueling the Capitals, and their success as a team is helping him as well.

Only one person, the legendary Scotty Bowman, has coached in more National Hockey League games than the Florida Panthers’ Paul Maurice. Despite his nearly unmatched knowledge and experience, Maurice can’t tell you how to keep an airtight lid on Alexander Ovechkin.

Alex Ovechkin has inched within single digits of overtaking Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time goals leader after scoring an empty-net goal in the Washington Capitals’ 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Sunday.