Panthers' plan for Ovechkin: 'Keep him under 7'

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice has a straightforward plan as his team faces Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Saturday.

"We're just going to try and keep the big guy under seven (goals)," Maurice said, according to Florida Hockey Now's George Richards. "Keep him under seven, then we can get out of town."

Ovechkin is seven goals from breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL record of 894 career goals. "The Gr8 Chase" has been in full swing this season, as Ovechkin has racked up 35 tallies in 53 games to put himself on the brink of history.

The 39-year-old has tormented the Panthers over his 20 seasons. Forty-five of Ovechkin's 888 career goals have come against Florida in 73 total contests. The tally's the sixth most Ovechkin has against one franchise.

Ovechkin has 13 games left to break the record this season. The Capitals are the only team to have clinched a playoff spot so far.