WASHINGTON -- Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin made his NHL debut in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Thursday.

Defenseman Jalen Chatfield was not at Canes practice Wednesday and Nikishin was paired with fellow Russian Dmitry Orlov.

After five years and one thousand days later, the wait for many Hurricanes fans has ended.  On May 15, ahead of Game 5 of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Washington Capitals,