NHL: Alexander Ovechkin is eight goals shy of tying Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record as the Washington Capitals face the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center

Alex Ovechkin pulled one goal closer to claiming the NHL all-time record and the visiting Washington Capitals used a three-goal first period to claim a 5-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.

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.