We asked you, the noble hordes of the Russian Machine, to congratulate our hero Alex Ovechkin on his 25th year of life.  You had to make a birthday card.  The only rule was that you had to use a cheap graphic editor to make it.

What we didn’t tell you was that we didn’t have to follow the same rules. Above, is our card for Ovi via new RMNB illustrator, Rachel Cohen. Welcome to the team!

Meanwhile, you guys knocked this assignment out of the park.  Like Shakespeare unto the sonnet, you transcended the limitations of the form and blazed new trails of Art with a capital A. Sad we are that only one of you shall win the grand prize.  Cruise on down past the jump to check out the gallery.

Lindsay N., clearly inspired by this piece of crap drawing, decided to go the sheep route. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And for that, we thank you @lindsaynotlohan.

Lucy Brown, writer of one our favorite Caps blogs Hockey is my Boyfriend, created Ovie’s name out of some of his favorite things. I love the creativity here.

Kristen M. shows us that Ovi and the Red Power Ranger have an awful lot in common. Who knew?

Using nothing but logo trickery, I Rock The Red, created a mutant, double-headed Weagle which hints at Ovi’s Russian heritage.

Brandon B., wins the award for brightest colors on a birthday card. That pterodactyl is a nice touch! 😛

Sara Bae’s back, and I have no idea what’s going on here. Why’s Semin in jail?? When did he get red hair?

Great job, Melissa!

Snovechkin, is that you?? Stop melting yourself!!! Well done, Forrest S.

Isabelle P-Taylor gets the award for most pain-staking detail in her card. I love the blush on Ovi’s face. On a side note, Hockey-playing girls from the UK are awesome.

In this illustration, we find Ovi in someone’s backyard after a trip to Medieval Times. Samantha G., be proud, you also win the award for being the most blunt! Love. it.

Our comrade, Tuvan Hillbilly of Japers Rink, killed it on this one. OH man.

Jun Arakaki, of the Marine Corps Community Services in Okinawa, sent us this incredible card. Unbelievable. We’re so honored to have a reader out there!! Jun, if spreadshirt ships out to where you are, you get a t-shirt. Send us your address, t-shirt of choice and size.

Mcawful submitted this lovely ditty. And surprisingly, she was the only person to allude to or illustrate ripped jeans. We will admit however that we can’t stop laughing at the sleepover illustration where Nicky looks so incredibly excited and Semin is smoking. What a great touch!

And finally, our grand prize winner, courtesy of Stephanie C:

Look at the unfettered joy on his face, the nachos in tow, and the ensemble that defies description.  Congratulations, Stephanie. And congratulations, Alexander Ovechkin, on reaching your silver year.  I’ve got a feeling there’s a big-ass silver cup in your future.