Alexander Ovechkin is closing in on the record for the most goals scored in the National Hockey League. While his achievement is being applauded by most, for some, his support of Vladimir Putin leaves a sour taste.

ESPN+ is planning five exclusive alternate telecasts known as “the OviCast” as viewers track the Alex Ovechkin’s chase of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goals record. The first special stream is Thursday night as Ovechkin’s Washington Capitals face the Minnesota Wild.

Marc-Andre Fleury reflects on the goals he conceded to Alexander Ovechkin and lauds Ovechkin's chance to break Wayne Gretzky's scoring record. Ovechki

Raised in Moscow within the Soviet sports system by parents who were accomplished athletes, Alex Ovechkin was given every chance to succeed at hockey and along the way showed he didn’t need special treatment.

Barry Trotz on how Ovechkin has continued to evolve as opponents adjust to him: "He could take hard coaching, and that’s very, very unique."

Hockey fans once again will be focused on Alex Ovechkin when the Washington Capitals face off against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night in Saint Paul, Minn.