Star & Sticks newest contributor Jesse Courville-Lynch examines Alex Semin’s thoughts on If Alex Ovechkin’s decision to play or not next season. Check it out here is you missed it.
Jakob Chychrun had more total goals, more even strength goals and more power play goals than any other defensemen in 2025-26. He had more blocks and less takeaways than Norris Trophy winner Zack Werenski. He also averaged less ice time ( 23:20 ) minutes per game than any of the 14 players who received votes for the Norris Trophy. Chychrun received zero votes. Read about it here.

Does Philly have a chance to sign former Caps defenseman John Carlson this summer? Check out Jesse's analysis here.

Team USA did not earn a medal in the IIHF world Championships this year, although after the first few contest, Ryan Leonard elevated his game, like he did in World Juniors. Leonard finished with 3 goals and 2 assists, including the shootout game winner against Germany. The future is looking bright for the Caps young phenom.
In case you missed it:
Speaking of the World Championships, congratulations to bronze medal winner Norway, who beat Canada in OT to earn their first medal ever in the IIHF World Championshipson a goal by Noah Steen. Got to love the underdog.
I would be remiss if I didn’t include this video of the golden goal score by Finland’s Konsta Helenius to win the gold medal game over Switzerland. This whole sequence is awesome.
KONSTA HELENIUS GOLDEN GOAL IN OT‼️🇫🇮 #MensWorlds #IIHF pic.twitter.com/4HlCIFFZ8d
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 31, 2026
I love that not only did Helenius score the gold medal winning goal. but that he also leveled two defenders as he celebrated. Every part of this is magic. Congrats to Finland.
Today in Caps History: June 3, 2018

The Washington Capitals beat Vegas in Game 3 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals to take a 2 games to 1 lead. It marked the first time the Caps ever led a Finals series in the franchises history.
