'Records are made to be broken': Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin revels in chase of Gretzky's goal record

Alex Ovechkin is 20 goals back of Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL goal record.

The Washington Capitals star has 21 goals in 30 games this season, missing a month with a broken leg.

The two players don't call each other their best bud, but they are certainly friendly.

“It’s hard to score in this league. You play against the best defensive players out there and maybe in one game, you have to use it, or maybe one chance”.

Gretzky , 894 , Ovechkin , 874 , have eight empty-netters; Gretzkky has 61 empty- netters.

Gretzki broke Phil Esposito ’s record 76 goals in a single season in 1982-82 .

Espo, then working as a TV commentator for the New York Rangers , followed him from city to city before 99 scored three in Buffalo .

Ovechkin has 50 goals in 39 games in the NHL this season .

He's not getting five in one game, says Coffey , who recalls the 1981 night he got five against the Philadelphia Flyers to reach 50 in a game.

The OVEchkin 's 50th goal was against the Flyers on Dec. 30, 1981 , to reach the milestone.