One of the most highly-touted players in college hockey is ready to step into the big time, as Ryan Leonard is set to make his NHL debut with the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night when they face the Boston Bruins.

Ovechkin had a chance to score his 892nd after the Bruins pulled goalie Jeremy Swayman for an extra attacker late in the game, but he fired wide right of the vacated net from outside the Boston blue line with 1:01 remaining. He’ll try again against the Hurricanes on Wednesday.

As Ryan Leonard will make his long-awaited debut for the Washington Capitals on Tuesday in fitting fashion against his hometown Boston Bruins, the expectations for him truly, aren't all that much.

Capitals star Alex Ovechkin gets closer than ever to breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time record with a goal on Tuesday against the Bruins.

Analyzing Tuesday’s Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Now, at age 39, Ovechkin is on the verge of becoming the NHL's all-time goals leader, and he can pass Gretzky's mark of 894 before the end of season. The Capitals standout currently has 891 career goals after he scored his 38th of the season Tuesday when he tapped home a beautiful Dylan Strome pass on a first-period power play against the Bruins.

The Bruins showed some pride but they just didn’t have enough to beat Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

Washington Capitals center Nic Dowd (26) and Washington Capitals right wing Brandon Duhaime (22) celebrate Dowd's goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell) AP

Alex Ovechkin scored his 891st career goal to move within four of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record, helping the Washington Capitals defeat the host Boston Bruins 4-3 on Tuesday night.