You can’t blame someone for wanting an Alex Ovechkin souvenir, can you? Perhaps his last ever playoff game stick, at that (hopefully not, but let’s see). Well, fellow Russian hockey player Alexander Nikishin managed to ‘almost’ make dreams a reality in game 5 of the Carolina Hurricanes vs. Washington Capitals series, where the Canes managed to knock out the Capitals with a solid 4-1 series defeat. So, regardless of whether it was a cheeky little joke or a total slip-up, Nikishin definitely gave us a viral moment.

And the Russian defenseman might not have been able to had his Russian team, SKA St. Petersburg, progressed further in the Russian playoffs. Luckily–for the Canes and the fans–Nikishin was able to come play for the Canes, marking his NHL debut since he was recruited as a third-round pick in 2020. And what a way to break into the league! Not only did he manage two powerful shots on goal, but he stole Ovi’s stick!

Perhaps he was trying to make a metaphor happen, with him marking his debut and Ovi combatting questions about retirement? Or perhaps Ovi was handing him the stick? Still, why did Nikishin pull it away? And why did he look so completely baffled after? There are many questions with regard to the aforementioned moment, but as always, we can leave it to the fans to provide us with some context.

Fans react to Alexander Nikishin stealing Alex Ovechkin’s stick as the Canes knock the Capitals out of the playoffs

First up there’s the proud Canes fans, claiming full ownership over Nikishin, despite him just having made his debut, saying, “That’s my boy,” before anyone else can do it. It’s hard to tell, though, if this is pure sarcasm, as the moment doesn’t seem to call for ‘pride’ per se… In any case, there’s a lot Nikishin can be proud of. 

Others pointed out the obvious, writing, “Nikishin swiping Ovechkin’s stick is pure comedy gold.” It’s obvious because if one takes into consideration the context, there couldn’t have possibly been a better move. Alexander Nikishin’s first NHL game, and that too in the playoffs. Ovechkin’s last playoff game with the Capitals this year, and who knows what’s coming next? Well, comedy if you’re a Canes fan, tragedy if you’re with the Capitals.

Another fan tried to offer perspective on the whole situation, writing, “That’s something Ovechkin would do to anyone else. Give him the respect he deserves.” Ovechkin himself has been known to mark momentous occasions with some flair (remember his 895th goal celebration when he slid across the ice?) So it’s only fair that Nikishin marks his debut against the legend with a little drama.

Still another fan, possibly speaking for many, was left dumbfounded with Nikishin’s move at the end. “And then the palms up.” Yeah, and then the palms up! What? Why did Nikishin grab the stick like it was being handed to him and then look confused? Unless he thought he was trying to block a hit? In any case, it’s a funny video.

And then, of course, there was the shoutout to meme culture. “Underoos!” one fan wrote, remarking how this could obviously be seen as the mature and wise Iron Man (Alex Ovechkin) vs. the youthful and arrogant Spiderman (Alexander Nikishin), who was still learning the ropes.

Whatever the case may be with why it all panned out the way it did, one thing is for sure: Alexander Nikishin has had an NHL debut he will never forget.