At 40, Washington Capitals’ Alexander Ovechkin continues making headlines. New drama has unfolded surrounding Ovi at the latest Capitals vs. New York Islanders game, when the forward skated right into 34-year-old center, Casey Cizikas, during the game’s power play.
The Capitals won the game 4-2 and met the New York Rangers soon after, emerging 1-0 victorious yet again to conclude an immensely successful campaign in New York. As the Capitals brace themselves to host the Tampa Bay Lightning back home, Ovi’s on-ice histrionics have got people talking again.
Fans React to Ovechkin-Cizikas Power Play Debacle
Mostly, Cizikas did not see it coming because the centerman had his back turned to Ovi, but before he realized what was happening, it had already happened. “Here it is down low and there he is, run over by a Mack truck, no. 8 over no. 53,” aptly put the commentator.
Against the Islanders, Ovi scored the first point of his 2025-26 campaign with an assist. However, his maiden point for the season was far from what people were interested in; they were intrigued mainly by the collision and raided the comment section with their diverse takes.
“Ovi just casually runs over Casey Cizikas while trying to get to a loose puck on the powerplay,” posted Gino Hard on their X account. Obviously, the fact that Ovechkin was so casual about running over Cizikas did not sit right with many.
One social media user called for Ovi’s omission from the NHL. “What a plug. We need to get these no talent guys out of the league. Send this ovechkin dude down.”
Another social media user was perturbed by the dark helmets that the Capitals seem to wear on the road, “There’s a 50/50 chance Ovi is going to score goal 900 with this dark helmet uniform and that is criminal to hockey history.”
Another user displayed similar concerns about the helmets and Ovi’s unnatural moves during the power play. “I don’t know what’s more shocking, those dark helmets, or the fact OV actually moved to the front of the net while on the PP. Typically, he just stands there waiting for a one-timer.”
Another hockey fan referred to Ovechkin as the “Russian tank” and drew upon the Capitals’ captain’s long history in the NHL. “The Russian tank strikes again ! He’s been victimizing players since day 1.”
An ardent Capitals fan called Ovi a “Freak of nature,” which says enough about the captain. “He used to do this at like 4x the speed too. Freak of nature.”
Finally, one drew a hilarious comparison between Ovi and Cizikas to put their size difference into perspective. “truck vs prius, no offense to CC but Ovi is just a large man!”
The season has only begun, and Ovechkin has already got the league talking about him. The 40-year-old could be many things, but he will never be inconspicuous.