Part of what makes Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal-scoring record so compelling is that the two players are polar opposites in some ways yet stunningly similar in others.

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin didn't get closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time record on Thursday night, and his biggest moment came after the final horn. Following Washington’s 4–2 loss to the Minnesota Wild, the Capitals captain ran toward the tunnel and called his teammates back onto the ice to form a handshake line.

Look at the journey Alex Ovechkin took from being a prodigious talent in Russia to being on the verge of becoming the most prolific goal scorer in NHL history.