It wasn't the most exciting showdown between the Washington Capitals and Ottawa Senators, but instead, a goalie duel between rising starter Logan Thompson and rookie Leevi Meriläinen. Then, Alex Ovechkin did what he does best: steal the show.

The 39-year-old winger took a pass from Rasmus Sandin on a 2-on-1 breakaway and fired it past rookie Leevi Merilainen, the record 179th goaltender he's scored on.

Ethen Frank added his second NHL goal as Washington won consecutive games for the first time since before the Christmas break.

After a scoreless 60 minutes, of course it was Alex Ovechkin to lift the Capitals in the three-on-three extra period.

Alex Ovechkin scored with 1:53 left in overtime to give the Washington Capitals a 1-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night. Ovechkin's goal was the 874th of his career, moving him within 20 of Wayne Gretzky's NHL record,

Alex Ovechkin is closing in on Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal record. Ovechkin has scored 872 goals in 1,451 games. He is just 23 goals away from breaking Gretzky's tally of 894 goals in 1,487 games.

Each morning, we will bring you three key NHL stories. Here, you can stay updated on the latest team wins and losses, trade talk, and player news from around the NHL.

OTTAWA -- Alex Ovechkin scored his 874th NHL goal at 3:07 of overtime, giving the Washington Capitals a 1-0 win against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pierre-Luc Dubois scored his second goal of the game late in overtime, Logan Thompson made ... He is 23 away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL career record.

Washington Capitals found a strong opponent in the Ottawa Senators as both teams failed to score any goals during the first three periods. Alex Ovechkin broke the tie in overtime. His goal came off a pass from Rasmus Sandin during a 2-on-1. He fired a snap shot past Senators goalie Leevi Merilainen.

Rather than ice a roster merely helping Ovi break Gretzky's record, the Caps have been one of the NHL's best. Here's how they threaded the needle.

In his second year at the helm, head coach Spencer Carbery has transformed the Capitals into a monster. They rank first in goals against (2.43) and second in goals (3.57) per game and boast top-ten special teams on both sides of the puck.