Ovechkin on track to break Gretzky's record

Russian star scores his 869th goal — 26 away from overtaking legend's tally

TORONTO — Alex Ovechkin's record chase is back on.

His empty-net goal for the Washington Capitals in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs wasn't the most challenging goal among the 869 he's scored in the NHL, but it was significant given his return from a 16-game hiatus due to injury.

"Every goal is hard to score in this league, so, if you want to try, put on skates and go six on five," Ovechkin quipped after the game.