Todd McLellan makes his feelings known about Alex Ovechkin creeping closer to Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record

Detroit Red Wings coach Todd McLellan shared his thoughts on Alex Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s NHL goal record of 894. Ovechkin scored his 870th goal during Sunday’s game, putting him just 24 behind Gretzky. McLellan praised Ovechkin’s ability to perform at a high level even late in his career.

“He’s chasing Gretzky,” McLellan said via The Hockey News. “He seems to be getting better than he was last year or the year before. And they've done a really good job with their team, an excellent job, but he's done a real good job with his chase to energize that group too.”

He also noted how Ovechkin’s chase motivates his teammates.

“They get excited for him, and that pumps their team up,” he added.

Sunday’s game also saw Patrick Kane achieve a significant milestone. Kane reached 1,300 career points, becoming the third American-born player to do so. He scored a power-play goal and later assisted on a goal by Alex DeBrincat. McLellan observed how Kane’s accomplishment energized the Red Wings bench.

"I could hear guys on the bench—'We gotta get Patty the puck, ’” McLellan recalled. "Those special moments or events, they energize other guys. They get them excited. And it's working for their team."

Coach Spencer Carbery reflects on costly mistakes after Alex Ovechkin's goal

The Washington Capitals lost 4-2 to the Red Wings on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena.

Alex DeBrincat scored first for Detroit, tipping Ben Chiarot’s shot at 3:19 of the first period. Patrick Kane made it 2-0 with a power-play goal from the right circle at 6:44.

Alex Ovechkin responded at 12:04, scoring his 870th NHL goal with a one-timer from Jakob Chychrun’s pass. DeBrincat quickly answered at 12:35, scoring his second goal to restore Detroit’s two-goal lead.

Lucas Raymond extended Detroit’s lead to 4-1 at 14:18, scoring on a rebound in front of the net.

Nic Dowd scored for Washington in the third period, tapping in a loose puck at 10:27. Despite their efforts, the Capitals couldn’t close the gap. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said the game slipped away after Alex Ovechkin’s goal.

“It’s 2-1," Carbery said via NHL.com. "Take a deep breath. Let’s get a few even shifts under our belt. Then we throw a puck away… the next thing you know, it’s in the back of our net.”

Charlie Lindgren made 23 saves for Washington. Alex Lyon stopped 26 shots for Detroit. The Capitals fell to 24-10-2 this season.