In case you didn’t believe us when we said yesterday that Alexander Ovechkin was becoming “the guy” in the Washington sports scene, consider this: President Obama had high praise for the Caps star in a speech he delivered at Moscow’s New Economic School this morning.

“As a resident of Washington, D.C., I continue to benefit from the contributions of Russians — specifically, from Alexander Ovechkin,” the President said. “We are very pleased to have him in Washington, D.C.”

Of course, the funny thing is that Obama has yet to see Ovechkin do his thing in person at the Phone Booth, something that plenty of folks — including NBC Chief White House Correspondent Chuck Todd — are wondering about in light of the President’s comments. Frankly, if Obama could find time to check out the Wizards, he certainly could make an effort to catch a Caps game next season.

But in any case, getting name-dropped by one of the more popular presidents of all-time? Not too shabby, Mr. Ovechkin. First Wale, now Obama. Who’ll be next to recognize the great number 8?