Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals

Ovechkin scores his 888th career NHL goal as the Capitals beat the Flyers and clinch a playoff spot

Ovechkin beat Samuel Ersson with 5:35 left in the first period to move eight goals back of passing Wayne Gretzky's career mark of 894. Chants of “Ovi! Ovi!” filled the arena as the goal counter in one corner flipped from 887 to 888.

Brandon Duhaime and Andrew Mangiapane also scored and Charlie Lindgren made 26 saves for the Capitals, who became the first NHL team to wrap up a playoff spot this season when Montreal rallied from a two-goal third-period deficit to keep the New York Islanders from winning in regulation.

Washington has won eight of its last nine games to reach 100 points and pass Winnipeg atop the standings.

The Flyers have gone the other way, losing nine of 11 to plunge into last place in the Metropolitan Division. Ryan Poehling and Sean Couturier scored, and Ersson allowed three goals on 16 shots.

Takeaways Flyers: Late in a lost season, word that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is considered week to week with an upper-body injury only matters if that somehow affects their chances of trading him this summer.

Capitals: With a comfortable cushion atop the Eastern Conference, getting Ovechkin the record over the next 13 games is a priority.

Key moment The puck bounced off Aliaksei Protas in front, and he quickly passed the puck to Ovechkin for his 35th goal of the season.

Key stat The Capitals became the first team since 16 teams qualified beginning in 1979-80 to clinch a playoff spot after being the last to do it the previous season.

Up next The Flyers visit Dallas on Saturday, while the Capitals host defending champion Florida a few hours later.

WSH wins series 4-0