WASHINGTON — Alex Ovechkin scored his 878th career goal into an empty net with 0.1 seconds left on the clock to move closer to Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career record, and the Washington Capitals defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers 6-3 on Tuesday night.

Alex Ovechkin scored his 878th career goal into an empty net with 0.1 seconds left on the clock to move closer to Wayne Gretzky's NHL career record, and the Washington Capitals defeated the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers 6-3 on Tuesday.

Lars Eller and Nic Dowd each scored a goal early in the third period and captain Alex Ovechkin added career goal No. 878, lifting the host Washington Capitals to a 6-3 victory over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.