WASHINGTON — The air in Capital One Arena is thick with excitement and anticipation as Alex Ovechkin inches closer to becoming the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer. His teammates, including Dylan Strome, describe an electric atmosphere each time the star forward hits the ice, as 18,000 fans collectively hold their breath, ready to erupt at a moment's notice.

Ovechkin’s latest milestone—his 893rd goal—has garnered extensive attention, and not just in Washington. From Madison Square Garden to TD Garden in Boston, the excitement is palpable. Fans across the league eagerly await the moment Ovechkin ties and then surpasses Wayne Gretzky’s long-standing record of 894 goals, a feat that places him not just in the history books but at the pinnacle of hockey lore.

Strome captures the sentiment perfectly: “You can sense the buzz in the building. When Ovi gets the puck, there’s a unique energy that surges, making every game feel more like a spectacle.” The recent matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks illustrated this perfectly, with fans going wild for even near-miss opportunities from Ovechkin.

Ovechkin’s teammates are incredibly motivated to help him achieve this monumental goal. Tom Wilson emphasized the urgency of setting up Ovechkin for success, asserting, “If you have a chance to pass it to him, you want to pass it to him. Good things happen when the puck is in his hands.” This strategy is clearly working, as Strome himself has assisted on nearly half of Ovechkin’s goals this season alone.

The importance of this record extends beyond individual accolades; it has transformed the Capitals’ entire season. With a strong expectation of securing the top playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, the pursuit of Ovechkin’s record has elevated the stakes and excitement around their games. Strome noted, “It’s added a deeper meaning to our games—something much different than the struggle for the eighth seed last year.”

Meanwhile, opponents are feeling the heat, with many eager to play spoilsport. The Blackhawks, currently struggling in the league, recognize the spectacle of Ovechkin's chase, with veteran winger Pat Maroon stating, “We’re looking to spoil the fun, but it’ll be amazing to play against a legend like Ovechkin.”

Even the young players, like 19-year-old Artyom Levshunov, are inspired by Ovechkin's legacy, growing up idolizing the dynamic player.

As the clock ticks down on the regular season, anticipation builds. With only a few games remaining, the expectation is that Ovechkin will inevitably surpass the 900-goal milestone. Strome remarked, “It would be surprising not to see it happen. It feels like it’s just a matter of time.”

The chase continues this Sunday on Long Island, where yet another crowd will gather in hopes of witnessing history. The entire hockey world is watching as Ovechkin gears up for what’s sure to be a defining moment in sports history—one that fans, teammates, and even Ovechkin himself strive to celebrate together.

Will he hit the record at home? That's the burning question buzzing within the hearts of thousands as everyone awaits another potential historic night in D.C.