Tue Apr 01 23:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Ovechkin Five Goals Away From Gretzky’s Record as Playoff Picture Tightens

**Washington, D.C. –** Alex Ovechkin is on the verge of history. The Washington Capitals’ superstar is just five goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal-scoring record, currently sitting at 890. Ovechkin has a chance to etch his name in the record books this week, beginning with a game against the Boston Bruins Tuesday night. The Capitals currently trail the Winnipeg Jets by three points in the race for the Presidents’ Trophy.

Meanwhile, the NHL playoff race is heating up with just 17 days remaining in the regular season. Several teams have opportunities to clinch a postseason berth on Tuesday night. The Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs can secure their playoff spots if either the Montreal Canadiens lose to the Florida Panthers or the Columbus Blue Jackets lose to the Nashville Predators. The Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Vegas Golden Knights also have win-and-condition scenarios to clinch their playoff spots.

Ten games are scheduled for Tuesday, each carrying significant playoff implications. Close races exist in multiple divisions, with the Eastern Conference particularly tight. The Montreal Canadiens, currently holding the second wild card spot, are locked in a battle with several teams including the New York Islanders, Columbus Blue Jackets, and even the Philadelphia Flyers, who are making a late push despite being under new coaching. In the Western Conference, the St. Louis Blues are vying for a wild card spot, hoping to overcome the Minnesota Wild.

The battle for playoff positioning extends beyond the wild card race. The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are battling for home-ice advantage, while the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars are competing for top spot in the Central Division. The intensity of these final games will determine the playoff matchups and seeding for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The NHL’s official website, NHL.com/GR8Chase, is providing comprehensive coverage of Ovechkin’s pursuit of the record.

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