Cheers to Ovie, Bruce & Nick!

As Hockey Mom predicted, Alex Ovechkin walked away with the Lester B. Pearson award and the Hart Trophy as the National Hockey League's Most Valuable Player. Being the ever humble guy that he is, he thanked his team mates first, then Ted Leonsis, GM George McPhee, Bruce Boudreau, the fans and of course his mom, like a good hockey son! You could tell he was so nervous but he delivered a great thank you speech. Time to build the "bling wing" OV - I have a feeling that this will be the first of many awards, not withstanding several Stanley Cups along the way, that you'll see in your career!

Also thrilling was hearing Bruce Boudreau's name announced as Coach of the Year! I almost started crying I was so excited for him. This award was so well-deserved - cheers to you Bruce! And to Nick Backstrom as runner up in the Rookie of the Year voting! Makes me wish the season started tomorrow though you guys deserve your much needed R&R.....

Also a toast to Caps owner Ted Leonsis and GM George McPhee for the fantastic job they've done in building the talent of the Caps organization. Ted Leonsis is truly one of the nicest and most involved owners in the country ...he sincerely cares about the fans and that is rare in the cut-throat world of professional sports.

One of the biggest highlights of the awards show was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Hockey - Gordie Howe. Other winners included Nicklas Lidstrom, Patrick Kane, Martin Brodeur, Pavel Datsyuk and Vincent Lecavelier for his dedicated community service work. The presenters were all youth hockey players from Canada, representing all levels of hockey from mite to Juniors. It was so cool to see those young players get to present the different awards to their hockey idols! They all did such a great job....

So a big Capitals toast to Ovechkin who will receive the keys to the District of Columbia tomorrow. I know the fans and the team will be waiting to welcome Alex, Bruce and Nick with smiles and hugs. You've all made Caps fans all over very happy and very proud....