For most of the Alex Ovechkin era, playoff hockey in Washington felt almost automatic. Last season reminded everyone that nothing is guaranteed: The Capitals missed the postseason by three points one year after finishing first in the Eastern Conference. Rather than ease into a transition, Washington loaded up with Alex Tuch, Jordan Kyrou, and Boone Jenner before the NHL’s all-time goals leader committed to a 22nd season, turning 2026–2027 into another serious push to extend the Ovechkin era.
The local broadcast home hasn’t changed, but the way cord-cutters get it has. Monumental Sports Network returns with 70 regular-season Capitals games, while YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV still don’t carry the network after dropping it last season. Washington also has 17 nationally distributed games, so local fans will have more than one broadcast setup to keep straight.
Where you live ultimately determines the easiest way to watch Washington Capitals games. Below, we’ll break down local and national coverage, the complete TV schedule, and the best options for in-market and out-of-market fans.
What channels have Washington Capitals games?
Most Capitals games air locally on Monumental Sports Network (MNMT). Outside the Capitals’ broadcast territory, regional broadcasts generally stream on ESPN+ through NHL Power Play in the ESPN app or are available through NHL Center Ice.
Nationally distributed matchups appear throughout the season on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, with select games streaming on ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu. Some national broadcasts may also be available locally on MNMT, as noted in the schedule below.
Want radio coverage? 106.7 The Fan is the Capitals’ flagship FM station, with coverage also carried across the broader Capitals Radio Network.
2026–2027 Washington Capitals TV schedule
The Capitals’ expanded 84-game schedule runs from October 2 through April 10. Highlights include two five-game homestands, a season-long six-game road trip from December 3 to 15, and 14 sets of back-to-back games. Washington also finishes the regular season with a three-game road trip through Columbus, Ottawa, and Philadelphia.
Keep scrolling for the complete game-by-game Capitals schedule with Eastern start times and U.S. TV or streaming information. We update the table throughout the season if broadcast assignments change.
NHL - Washington Capitals Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Preseason | |||
Sunday, Sept. 20 | 5:00 p.m. | NHL Network, MNMT2, MNMT | |
Monday, Sept. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MNMT | |
Friday, Sept. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MNMT | |
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 5:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MNMT | |
October | |||
Friday, Oct. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MNMT | |
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MNMT | |
Wednesday, Oct. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Friday, Oct. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | NHL Network, MNMT | |
Sunday, Oct. 11 | 5:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MNMT | |
Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 6:45 p.m. | ESPN+, MNMT | |
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+, MNMT | |
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 1:00 p.m. | NHL Network, MNMT | |
Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MNMT | |
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MNMT | |
Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 29 | 8:00 p.m. | ESPN+, MNMT | |
November | |||
Sunday, Nov. 1 | 3:30 p.m. | MNMT | |
Tuesday, Nov. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT | |
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 12:30 p.m. | MNMT | |
Tuesday, Nov. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT | |
Thursday, Nov. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT | |
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT | |
Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Nov. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT | |
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT | |
Wednesday, Nov. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT | |
Friday, Nov. 27 | 3:00 p.m. | MNMT | |
Saturday, Nov. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT, MNMT2 | |
December | |||
Tuesday, Dec. 1 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT | |
Thursday, Dec. 3 | 8:00 p.m. | MNMT, MNMT2 | |
Saturday, Dec. 5 | 3:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Dec. 7 | 9:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Dec. 10 | 9:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 9:00 p.m. | MNMT2 | |
At Dallas Stars | Tuesday, Dec. 15 | 9:30 p.m. | |
Thursday, Dec. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Dec. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Dec. 21 | 2:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Dec. 26 | 8:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Dec. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Wednesday, Dec. 30 | 4:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Dec. 31 | 2:00 p.m. | TBD | |
January | |||
Saturday, Jan. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Jan. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD | |
Wednesday, Jan. 6 | 10:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Friday, Jan. 8 | 10:00 p.m. | MNMT2 | |
Sunday, Jan. 10 | 3:30 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Jan. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Jan. 14 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Jan. 16 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Monday, Jan. 18 | 4:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Jan. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Friday, Jan. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, Jan. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
At Utah Mammoth | Friday, Jan. 29 | 9:00 p.m. | TBD |
Saturday, Jan. 30 | 10:00 p.m. | MNMT2 | |
February | |||
Tuesday, Feb. 2 | 6:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Wednesday, Feb. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Feb. 13 | 1:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, Feb. 14 | 1:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Feb. 16 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Feb. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, Feb. 21 | 6:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, Feb. 23 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, Feb. 25 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Feb. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
March | |||
Monday, March 1 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Wednesday, March 3 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Friday, March 5 | 8:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, March 7 | 9:30 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, March 9 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Wednesday, March 10 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, March 13 | 3:00 p.m. | ||
Monday, March 15 | 3:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Wednesday, March 17 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, March 18 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Sunday, March 21 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, March 23 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, March 24 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Friday, March 26 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, March 28 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Tuesday, March 30 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
April | |||
Thursday, April 1 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, April 3 | 5:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Sunday, April 4 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, April 6 | 7:45 p.m. | TBD | |
Thursday, April 8 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, April 10 | 12:30 p.m. |
Best TV plans for watching the Washington Capitals
The right Capitals TV setup depends on where you live. Fans in the D.C. region need Monumental Sports Network for most of the schedule, plus access to Washington’s nationally distributed games. Out-of-market fans can rely primarily on NHL Power Play through the ESPN app.
Our three picks cover those different viewing needs. DIRECTV offers the broadest local-and-national setup, Monumental+ is the simplest standalone option for local games, and ESPN Unlimited works best for Capitals fans living outside the team’s broadcast territory.
Best Overall
DIRECTV is our best all-around option for Capitals fans in the D.C. region. Its MySports Genre Pack includes ESPN Unlimited, ESPN, TNT, NHL Network, and ABC in eligible markets, while the MyHome Team add-on can provide Monumental Sports Network where available. That combination covers nearly every major piece of the Capitals’ U.S. viewing setup in one service.
Best for Local Streaming
If local Capitals games are your priority, Monumental+ is the simplest standalone option. In-market fans can subscribe directly for $19.99 per month or $179.99 per year to stream Monumental Sports Network without a traditional TV package. Just remember that nationally exclusive games still require the corresponding national broadcaster or streaming service.
Best for Out-of-Market Fans
ESPN Unlimited is the most straightforward option for Capitals fans outside the team’s broadcast territory. It includes NHL Power Play through the ESPN app, plus ESPN, ESPN+, and ABC coverage. You’ll still need separate access for TNT, NHL Network, and games controlled by your local NHL broadcaster.
How to watch the Washington Capitals FAQ
Can I watch Washington Capitals games for free?
Yes, you can watch Capitals games on ABC for free with an over-the-air antenna in areas with a nearby ABC affiliate. Live TV services such as DIRECTV or Fubo may also offer free trials to eligible new subscribers, though terms can change.
How do I watch out-of-market Capitals games?
If you live outside the Capitals' broadcast territory, most Monumental Sports Network games stream on ESPN+ through NHL Power Play in the ESPN app. NHL Center Ice is the traditional alternative for cable and satellite subscribers.
Can I stream Monumental Sports Network without cable?
Yes, in-market fans can subscribe directly to Monumental+ for $19.99 per month or $179.99 per year. Monumental Sports Network is also available through participating TV providers and live TV streaming services such as DIRECTV and Fubo.
Can I watch the Washington Capitals in Canada?
Yes, Sportsnet+ Premium provides broad out-of-market NHL coverage in Canada, subject to regional blackouts. Prime Video is now the exclusive Canadian home of Wednesday Night Hockey, so the required service can vary by matchup.
Why you should trust us
CableTV.com Contributing Writer Ian McLaren has covered the NHL for nearly two decades and hosts the daily “Locked On Bruins” podcast. He has followed Alex Ovechkin’s career from seeing one of the Great Eight’s earliest four-goal performances live to watching him become the NHL’s all-time goals leader and return for a 22nd season.
For this guide, Ian reviewed the complete 2026–2027 Capitals schedule along with current information from the Capitals, Monumental Sports Network, the NHL’s national broadcasters, and TV providers. CableTV.com also updates viewing details as schedules and broadcast assignments change. Learn more about our process on our How We Rank page.
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