STEPHEN WHYNO

Sports reporter

DC-based hockey writer covering NHL, Capitals and Commanders

FILE - Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) runs with the ball before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Oct. 6, 2024, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr., File)

Brian Robinson Jr. is aiming to return from his knee injury when the Commanders host the Panthers

Brian Robinson Jr. is aiming to return for the Washington Commanders on Sunday when they host the Carolina Panthers.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, center, attempts a shot against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill, left, and Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3 ) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)

Capitals end the Golden Knights’ season-opening winning streak at 3 with a 4-2 victory

Alex Ovechkin had two assists as the Washington Capitals ended the Vegas Golden Knights’ season-opening winning streak at three with a 4-2 victory.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin, center, attempts a shot against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill, left, and Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3 ) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)

Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin becomes the 60th NHL player to record 700 career assists

Alex Ovechkin has become the 60th player in NHL history to record 700 career assists. Ovechkin reached the milestone with his second assist in the Washington Capitals’ 4-2 victory against Vegas.

FILE - Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Brandon McManus (10) kicks off the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray, File)

Packers sign kicker Brandon McManus to replace struggling rookie Brayden Narveson

Brandon McManus is back in the NFL after the Green Bay Packers signed him to replace struggling rookie kicker Brayden Narveson.

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) scores on a 7-yard run during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Derrick Henry has become the closer the Ravens needed after early season concerns over holding leads

Derrick Henry has proven to be a perfect fit for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens’ offense. And that goes beyond his nine touchdowns.

FILE - Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) leaves the field after pregame warmups before an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)

Commanders DT Jonathan Allen expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is expected to miss the remainder of the NFL season with a torn pectoral muscle.

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) handles the puck during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Washington. The Devils won 5-3. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Alex Ovechkin is shifting to right wing for the Capitals’ second game of the season

Alex Ovechkin is set to play right wing in the Washington Capitals’ second game of the season Tuesday against Vegas.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws as Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr (6) defends during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Jackson outduels Daniels and Henry runs for two TDs as Ravens beat Commanders 30-23

Lamar Jackson threw for 323 yards and a touchdown to outshine rookie Jayden Daniels and the Baltimore Ravens beat the Washington Commanders 30-23 for their fourth consecutive victory.

This combination image shows, from left, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in Cincinnati, and Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in Landover, Md., on Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis, left, Nick Wass, right)

Must-see QBs face off when Jayden Daniels and the Commanders visit Lamar Jackson and the Ravens

Jayden Daniels and the red-hot Washington Commanders visit Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in the most anticipated NFL game of the weekend.

FILE - The Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights line up for the snap at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of an NCAA football game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)

Army and Navy are each 5-0 for the 1st time since 1945. They could play twice this year, too

The Cadets at West Point and Midshipmen in Annapolis have put their teams back on the map.

Center Jayson Megna, shown playing for the Colorado Avalanche in the first period of an NHL preseason hockey game Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, wears a cut-resistant neck protector while facing the Dallas Stars in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

American Hockey League mandates neck protection this season. Will the NHL one day follow suit?

Protective equipment has been a hot topic at every level of hockey since the death of Adam Johnson in October 2023 after his neck was cut by a skate blade during a game in England.

FILE - Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr., second from right, celebrates his touchdown with mascot Major Tuddy, right, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Landover, Md. Also seen is Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (14). (AP Photo/Nick Wass, File)

A 4-1 start has created long-starved hope and optimism around the Washington Commanders

There’s reason for hope around the Washington Commanders for the first time since the team has had this name.

FILE - Pat Fischer, corner back for the Washington Redskins, 1970. (AP Photo, File)

Former All-Pro cornerback Pat Fischer dies at age 84

Former NFL cornerback Pat Fischer has died. He was 84. A Washington Commanders spokesperson said the family informed the team of Fischer’s death.

Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl celebrates his goal against the Seattle Kraken during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers are motivated to win the Stanley Cup now

After clawing back from a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final and losing by a goal in Game 7, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the Edmonton Oilers are more motivated than ever to avenge the most gut-wrenching defeat of their NHL careers.

FILE - In this Feb. 22, 1980, file photo, the U.S. hockey team celebrates with goalie Jim Craig after a 4-3 victory against the Soviet Union in a medal round match at the the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y. (AP Photo/File)

Bill introduced to award 1980 ‘Miracle On Ice’ US hockey team with Congressional Gold Medals

A bill has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” Olympic hockey team.

FILE - New York Rangers' Matt Rempe reacts during the third period in Game 1 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Washington Capitals, April 21, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Matt Rempe hopes his offseason made him a better fighter and a better player for the Rangers

Matt Rempe spent a few days over the summer on the ice with retired enforcer Georges Laraque learning the finer points of fighting.

Philadelphia Flyers' Matvei Michkov walks off the ice after warming-up before a preseason NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Flyers’ Matvei Michkov leads the latest infusion of Russian talent into the NHL

Matvei Michkov is in the NHL ahead of schedule after the Philadelphia Flyers got him out of Russia and to North America a little over a year after taking him with the seventh pick in the draft.

Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., right, celebrates his sack of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (not shown) during the second half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Defense delivers the Commanders a fourth consecutive victory. The Ravens will be a bigger test

Defense delivered the Washington Commanders a fourth consecutive victory to get them to 4-1 this season.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is sacked by Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) during the second half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Browns are ‘not changing quarterbacks’ after Deshaun Watson and the offense struggle again

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski says his team is not changing quarterbacks after Deshaun Watson and the offense struggled in a 34-13 loss at Washington.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs past Cleveland Browns defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during the first half of an NFL football game in Landover, Md., Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Jayden Daniels and the Commanders rout the Browns 34-13 to win their 4th in a row

Jayden Daniels bounced back from an early interception with the longest touchdown pass of his young NFL career as he and the Washington Commanders routed the Cleveland Browns 34-13 for their fourth consecutive victory.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson gestures before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Deshaun Watson’s Browns look to get on track against Jayden Daniels and the surging Commanders

Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders are rolling along on a three-game winning streak, and the rookie quarterback’s play is the biggest reason why.

Vancouver Canucks' Ty Mueller (39) carries the puck ahead of Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) during the third period of a preseason NHL hockey game in Edmonton, Alberta, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (Amber Bracken/The Canadian Press via AP)

Canada ending its NHL title drought? AP predicts the Stanley Cup champion and top award winners

The 2024-25 NHL season begins this weekend in Prague with the puck dropping next week in North America for most teams.

Baltimore Orioles' Gunnar Henderson, left, walks to the dugout after striking out for the final out as Kansas City Royals pitcher Lucas Erceg, right, and catcher Salvador Perez react following Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. The Royals won 2-1. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Orioles get swept out of the playoffs in their only series for a second consecutive year

The Baltimore Orioles were swept out of the playoffs in their only series for a second consecutive year.

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. celebrates with teammates after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2-1 in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Bobby Witt Jr. and the Royals go from 2 late 7-game losing streaks to the AL Division Series

The Kansas City Royals endured two seven-game losing streaks in the final month of the season. The second of those ended with a well-timed joke from a three-time World Series winner.

Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. (7) hits a single as home plate umpire Ben May, left, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman look on during the third inning in Game 2 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024 in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

Witt gets another big hit to send the Royals into ALDS with a 2-game sweep of the Orioles

Bobby Witt Jr. beat out an infield single to drive in the go-ahead run and send the Kansas City Royals into an AL Division Series with a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles for a two-game sweep of their Wild Card Series.

FILE - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, left, presents the Stanley Cup to Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov after the Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Monday, June 24, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

From the Stanley Cup champion Panthers and beyond, the NHL is shooting for another best season ever

The Stanley Cup has found a home in South Florida after the Panthers finished on top at the end of what some considered the best NHL season in history.

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) walks back to the dugout after he was removed in the ninth inning during Game 1 of an AL Wild Card Series baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. The Royals won 1-0. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Corbin Burnes makes one costly mistake as the Orioles lose AL Wild Card Series opener to the Royals

Corbin Burnes was nearly perfect in his start for the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series against the Kansas City Royals.

FILE - Canada's Sidney Crosby (87) hoists the trophy in front of teammates following Canada's 2-1 victory over Europe in Game 2 of the final to win the World Cup of Hockey, in Toronto, Sept. 29, 2016. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

NHL season has international flavor with the 4 Nations Face-off as a Winter Olympics appetizer

While a vast majority of the 1,312 NHL games through June will take place in North America, the spotlight this season is on international play.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger defends the goal in the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

‘Powerhouse’ Central Division has 7 playoff contenders, from Dallas to Nashville

The Central Division is the deepest in the NHL when it comes to teams that should be competing to make the playoffs.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Jayden Daniels has Washington off to its first 3-1 start since 2011

Jayden Daniels has Washington off to a 3-1 start for the first time since 2011. That was before the organization’s last Heisman Trophy-winning No. 2 pick quarterback, Robert Griffin III, made his NFL debut, and the ’11 season went sideways quickly on the way to a 5-11 record.