This is GR8! Ovechkin closes in on magic 500 mark

9 Jan, 2016 00:10 / Updated 8 years ago

Washington Capitals’ superstar Alex Ovechkin edged closer to 500 goals in the NHL after his last goal against the New York Islanders on Thursday night.

Ovechkin's goal, his 497th in the league and 22nd this season, helped his Capitals earn a 4-1 victory in Brooklyn, NY.

The Russian sniper would become the 43rd NHL player to reach 500 goals. In his 11th season with the Caps, he is part of select group of six players to reach the 50 goal mark in a season six times.

Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Marcel Dionne, Guy Lafleur and Mike Bossy complete the list.

In 799 NHL games, Ovechkin has 497 goals and 930 points. The left wing’s combined number of regular season and playoffs points stands at impressive 1,000.

Ovi also hold the Capitals records for career goals, assists and points scored.