Alex Ovechkin surpasses hockey great Gordie Howe to become NHL's second all-time scorer

Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored his 801st and 802nd career goals in a win Friday night against the Winnipeg Jets, surpassing the late hockey legend Gordie Howe to become the No. 2 scorer in NHL history.

Ovechkin's performance electrified his home-town audience two days before Christmas, and earned a special message from Howe's son Mark that was broadcast on the scoreboard as fans chanted the Russian-born winger's nickname "Ovi."

“It’s nice to get it done at home, in front of our house, family, our friends – obviously fans,” Ovechkin said. “It’s a big thing.”

Ovechkin has been one of the most dominant players of his generation, earning the nickname the "Great 8" after his uniform number.

After the game ended with a Capital 4-1 win, every member of the opposing Jets team lined up to shake his hand in an extraordinary display of sportsmanship.

After the historic night, the 37-year-old Ovechkin has just one more star to chase: Wayne "The Great One" Gretsky, who finished with 899 career goals.