SAN JOSE -- Alex Ovechkin scored his 887th goal to move eight away from breaking Wayne Gretzky 's NHL record of 894, and the Washington Capitals defeated the San Jose Sharks 5-1 at SAP Center on Saturday. "I think we had a pretty good start, all four lines rolling. Holding the puck, making smart decisions," Ovechkin said.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 887th career goal to move within eight of breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL record and the Washington Capitals beat the San Jose Sharks 5-1.

On paper, the San Jose Sharks are not a good hockey team, but they have given the Washington Capitals fits. Last season, the Capitals needed a third-period rally to beat the Sharks at home and then lost at SAP Center.