Russian President Vladimir Putin sent some love to Alex Ovechkin on Monday ... after the hockey superstar broke Wayne Gretzky's longstanding all-time NHL goal record!
"I congratulate you on your outstanding record. You have surpassed legendary masters in the number of goals scored in National Hockey League regular-season games," Putin said of the Moscow-born athlete in a statement released by the Kremlin.
Putin described the historic accomplishment as "not only your personal success, but also a real celebration for fans in Russia and abroad.