Alexander Ovechkin receives a key to the city from D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Gray and Mayor Adrian Fenty. Photo by Lateef Mangum, courtesy the Mayor’s Office.

Alexander Ovechkin received a key to the city this afternoon on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building. Several hundred fans, downtown office workers, and gawking tourists were on hand to revel in the success of the Washington Capitals star left-winger. He had just returned home from the NHL Awards Show, having swept the league's four top honors, including most outstanding player (as voted by peers) and Most Valuable Player (as voted by the media). They didn't ask DCist for our vote, but we would have voted for him too!

Mayor Adrian Fenty rattled off Ovechkin's stats—65 goals, 47 assists, 112 points— saying, "We are honored to present a key to the city to Alex, not only for the numbers he put up, but also for his hard-working attitude and style of play." Council Chairman Vincent Gray, flanked by Council members Marion Barry, Kwame Brown, and Jack Evans, led the crowd in a fist pumping MVP cheer.

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis expressed his love for all the fans, while relaying Ovechkin's statement on the plane ride back to Washington this morning—he would gladly trade all four trophies he won last night in for one big one. Ovie: if you want to swap the Ross, Richard, Pearson, and Hart trophies for a Stanley Cup, that's fine. Just hold onto the key to our city. We wouldn't want any undesirables sneaking in (ahem, Flyers fans).

Ovechkin flashed his wide, partially toothy smile through the whole event, applauding with the fans for the team's success and his personal triumphs. Typically uncomfortable addressing large crowds, Ovechkin offered few words after Fenty handed him his key, though did thank the crowd for making him feel like President for the day. "So everybody, no speed limit tickets," declared the MVP-cum-chief executive. Caps fans—have a pleasant drive home!

The full Ballou Marching Band played for 15 minutes before Caps' mascot Slapshot led Ovie and the dignitaries onto the Wilson steps. One trombone player in distress had to be brought inside to beat the near 90 degree heat.