Maybe D.C. isn't exactly what you'd call a hockey town, but plenty of fans are cheering the return of the Washington Capitals. After a year long NHL lock out, the Caps are back with a young line up, some new faces and one hockey phenom, left wing forward Alexander Ovechkin.

The top pick in the 2004 NHL draft, the 20-year old Russian rookie has been lauded as hockey's next big thing. His performance on the ice so far has exceeded the expectations of fans, teammates and coaches. As of last night, Ovechkin leads the Caps with 11 points (including six goals) and he's delivered more then his share of bone shaking checks. His stellar performance so far has many predicting that he'll give this years top draft pick, Canadian Sidney Crosby, a fair chase for the rookie of the year Calder Trophy. DCist has seen Ovechkin play, and yeah, he really is just that good.

Despite his limited English (which he continues to improve at) Ovechkin's charm, sportsmanship and commitment to the team comes across clearly. He was nice enough to answer a few questions for DCist in his trademark cut and dry, yet endearing, manner.

Image from NHL.com

You were the first pick in the 2004 NHL draft, but this is in essence your rookie year due to the lockout. What was it like having to wait a year to finally play in the NHL?

I wasn’t disappointed. I had more time to play in Russia, in my home, near my friends and parents. I had one more year to grow up. Now I’m ready to play in the NHL.

Do you feel extra pressure from being the top pick in the 2004 draft?

I don’t really feel any more pressure, no.

How have you had to adjust your game to play in the NHL? What do you think of the NHL rule changes put into effect this season? Do they help or hurt your game?

I just play my game. In Russia there is no red line, and now the NHL is the same. So that is good. But hockey’s hockey.

What do you think about the young age of the Caps team? What is it like playing with such a young team?

I like the guys a lot. Everyone wants to play hockey and everyone loves it. It makes it even more fun.

Should D.C. be excited about hockey returning? What do you think is on the horizon for the Capitals in the next few seasons?

I think we’ll be great for the next few years. There is a lot of happiness around this team. Lots of good things will happen.

What are you thoughts on the fans so far?

We have very good fans. Sometimes people haven’t come as much as we want. Hockey players like to play in full stadiums, and we want more fans. But our fans are loud and good.

Your mother was a professional basketball player in Russia and your dad played Soccer professionally. Why did you choose hockey?

I don’t know. My brother took me to hockey school with Dynamo. He helped me start when I was 8.
[His brother, Sergei, was killed in a car accident in 2000.]

It's been a dream of yours to play in the NHL since you were a child, and you've passed up more lucrative opportunities to play in the Russian Super League. Now that you've played a few games in the NHL, is it everything you'd thought it would be?

Yes. NHL is the best league in the world. It’s fast and exciting. But the best part has been winning.

Have you moved into your new house in Arlington yet? How is it living with George McPhee?

I will move in soon. I only lived with George for a few days. He was very good – good family, good people. Then training camp started. My parents came over from Russia [they have since returned, last Monday] and I stay with my brother, Mikhail.

You've only been in D.C. for a few months, what are your thoughts on the city so far? Have you had the opportunity to explore it yet? Any favorite restaurants or nightclubs?

It is a nice place. Very beautiful city. I haven’t looked around much. My favorite place so far is MCI Center.

Finally, have you found any good Russian food in the area?

No, not yet. My mom cooked a lot for me before she went home. Now I cook or eat McDonald’s or Starbucks.