The Washington Capitals enter the 2025–2026 NHL season at a fascinating crossroads. Alex Ovechkin has already cemented his place in history by passing Wayne Gretzky for the NHL’s all-time goals record. Now, the Great Eight is chasing something even more elusive—a second Stanley Cup to bookend his legendary career.
Far from fading, the Caps shocked the hockey world last season by finishing second overall in the NHL standings. While Ovechkin remains the franchise’s heartbeat, he’s not doing it alone. Dylan Strome has blossomed into a reliable top-six scorer, while veterans like John Carlson and Tom Wilson continue to anchor the lineup.
The organization is also working younger players into the mix, striking a balance between honoring a generational star and building for the future. Every night at Capital One Arena feels like a blend of history, urgency, and possibility.
Of course, catching every Capitals game on TV can be a challenge. Between local games on Monumental Sports Network and the various national broadcasts, fans need a reliable plan to follow the action. That’s where this guide comes in. I’ll break down exactly how to watch the Caps all season—whether you’re in D.C. or cheering from across North America.
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What channels have Washington Capitals games?
Most Washington Capitals games air on Monumental Sports Network, the team’s regional sports channel available in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. Select Capitals matchups also air nationally on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, while a limited number of games are exclusive to ESPN+ and Hulu.
For fans outside the D.C. area, you can choose between ESPN+ (streaming) and NHL Center Ice (cable/satellite) for out-of-market coverage. But you’ll still need a TV package that carries the national networks.
Want radio coverage? The Capitals’ flagship radio station is 106.7 The Fan (WJFK-FM), which broadcasts every game in the D.C. area. Fans outside the region can also tune in through Caps Radio 24/7, the team’s free online stream.
2025–2026 Washington Capitals TV schedule
This season’s Capitals schedule is loaded with intrigue—from Alex Ovechkin’s quest to capture a second Stanley Cup to critical Metropolitan Division clashes that could shape the playoff race. Fans can circle marquee matchups against rivals like the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers, along with nationally televised showdowns that spotlight Ovechkin’s ongoing place in NHL history.
With so many can’t-miss games on the calendar, you’ll need a reliable guide to keep track of it all. I’ve organized the complete 2025–2026 Capitals TV schedule in the table below, and I’ll be keeping it updated so you can follow every moment of the Caps’ season.
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Preseason |
|||
| At Boston Bruins | Sunday, Sept. 21 | 5:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Philadelphia Flyers | Thursday, Sept. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At New Jersey Devils | Sunday, Sept. 28 | 3:00 p.m. | MNMT, NHL Network |
| At Columbus Blue Jackets | Tuesday, Sept. 30 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Boston Bruins | Thursday, Oct. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Saturday, Oct. 4 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
|
October |
|||
| Boston Bruins | Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | TNT, HBO Max |
| At New York Islanders | Saturday, Oct. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At New York Rangers | Sunday, Oct. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Tuesday, Oct. 14 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT, ESPN |
| Minnesota Wild | Friday, Oct. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Vancouver Canucks | Sunday, Oct. 19 | 12:30 p.m. | MNMT |
| Seattle Kraken | Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Columbus Blue Jackets | Friday, Oct. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Ottawa Senators | Saturday, Oct. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Dallas Stars | Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 8:30 p.m. | MNMT, ESPN |
| New York Islanders | Friday, Oct. 31 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
|
November |
|||
| At Buffalo Sabres | Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| St. Louis Blues | Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | MNMT, TNT, HBO Max |
| At Pittsburgh Penguins | Thursday, Nov. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | MNMT, ESPN+, Hulu |
| At Tampa Bay Lightning | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Carolina Hurricanes | Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Florida Panthers | Thursday, Nov. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| New Jersey Devils | Saturday, Nov. 15 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Los Angeles Kings | Monday, Nov. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Edmonton Oilers | Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT, TNT, HBO Max |
| At Montreal Canadiens | Thursday, Nov. 20 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Saturday, Nov. 22 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Monday, Nov. 24 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Winnipeg Jets | Wednesday, Nov. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Friday, Nov. 28 | 5:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At New York Islanders | Sunday, Nov. 30 | 1:00 p.m. | MNMT |
|
December |
|||
| At Los Angeles Kings | Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 10:30 p.m. | MNMT |
| At San Jose Sharks | Wednesday, Dec. 3 | 10:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Anaheim Ducks | Friday, Dec. 5 | 10:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Sunday, Dec. 7 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Carolina Hurricanes | Thursday, Dec. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Winnipeg Jets | Saturday, Dec. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Minnesota Wild | Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 8:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Thursday, Dec. 18 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Detroit Red Wings | Saturday, Dec. 20 | 12:30 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Detroit Red Wings | Sunday, Dec. 21 | 1:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| New York Rangers | Tuesday, Dec. 23 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At New Jersey Devils | Saturday, Dec. 27 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Florida Panthers | Monday, Dec. 29 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| New York Rangers | Wednesday, Dec. 31 | 12:30 p.m. | MNMT |
|
January |
|||
| At Ottawa Senators | Thursday, Jan. 1 | 1:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Saturday, Jan. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Anaheim Ducks | Monday, Jan. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Dallas Stars | Wednesday, Jan. 7 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT, TNT, HBO Max |
| At Chicago Blackhawks | Friday, Jan. 9 | 8:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Nashville Predators | Sunday, Jan. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Montreal Canadiens | Tuesday, Jan. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| San Jose Sharks | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 7:00 p.m. | TBA |
| Florida Panthers | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Colorado Avalanche | Monday, Jan. 19 | 4:00 p.m. | MNMT, TNT, HBO Max |
| At Vancouver Canucks | Wednesday, Jan. 21 | 10:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Calgary Flames | Friday, Jan. 23 | 9:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Edmonton Oilers | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 10:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Seattle Kraken | Tuesday, Jan. 27 | 10:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Detroit Red Wings | Thursday, Jan. 29 | 7:30 p.m. | MNMT, ESPN+, Hulu |
| Carolina Hurricanes | Saturday, Jan. 31 | 5:00 p.m. | MNMT |
|
February |
|||
| New York Islanders | Monday, Feb. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Philadelphia Flyers | Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Nashville Predators | Thursday, Feb. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Philadelphia Flyers | Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Vegas Golden Knights | Friday, Feb. 27 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Montreal Canadiens | Saturday, Feb. 28 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
|
March |
|||
| Utah Mammoth | Tuesday, March 3 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Boston Bruins | Saturday, March 7 | 12:30 p.m. | MNMT, ABC |
| Calgary Flames | Monday, March 9 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Philadelphia Flyers | Wednesday, March 11 | 7:30 p.m. | MNMT, TNT, HBO Max |
| At Buffalo Sabres | Thursday, March 12 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Boston Bruins | Saturday, March 14 | 3:00 p.m. | MNMT, ABC |
| Ottawa Senators | Wednesday, March 18 | 7:30 p.m. | MNMT |
| New Jersey Devils | Friday, March 20 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| Colorado Avalanche | Sunday, March 22 | 12:30 p.m. | MNMT |
| At St. Louis Blues | Tuesday, March 24 | 8:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Utah Mammoth | Thursday, March 26 | 9:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At Vegas Golden Knights | Saturday, March 28 | 10:30 p.m. | MNMT |
| Philadelphia Flyers | Tuesday, March 31 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
|
April |
|||
| At New Jersey Devils | Thursday, April 2 | 7:30 p.m. | MNMT, ESPN+, Hulu |
| Buffalo Sabres | Saturday, April 4 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT |
| At New York Rangers | Sunday, April 5 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT, ESPN |
| At Toronto Maple Leafs | Wednesday, April 8 | 7:30 p.m. | MNMT, TNT, HBO Max |
| At Pittsburgh Penguins | Saturday, April 11 | 3:00 p.m. | MNMT, ABC |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Sunday, April 12 | 3:00 p.m. | MNMT, TNT, HBO Max |
| At Columbus Blue Jackets | Tuesday, April 14 | 7:00 p.m. | MNMT, ESPN |
Data effective as of post date.
Best TV plans for watching the Washington Capitals
Capitals coverage in the United States
To catch every Capitals game this season, you’ll need a plan that covers both local games on Monumental Sports Network and the national broadcasts. After testing all the options, I’ve got two top-tier recommendations that are perfect for Caps fans.
My pick for the best all-in-one package is Hulu + Live TV. It’s a rare win-win for both in-market and out-of-market fans. If you’re in the D.C. area, you’ll get Monumental Sports Network and all national channels—except NHL Network. If you’re outside the D.C. area, the included ESPN+ access gets you all the out-of-market games. Plus, you get unlimited DVR storage and on-demand replays.
If you’re a local cord-cutter who doesn’t want a full live TV plan, your best option is to subscribe directly to Monumental+. It’s a fantastic standalone service that not only gets you every in-market Capitals game but also includes coverage for the Washington Wizards.
Canadian TV and streaming options
In Canada, following the Capitals requires a combination of Sportsnet+ Premium (for out-of-market coverage) and Amazon Prime Video (for exclusive Monday-night NHL games). Sportsnet+ streams nearly every regular-season Capitals game without blackout restrictions, while Prime picks up the Monday Night Hockey broadcasts that began last season.
Once the postseason begins, coverage is much simpler—Sportsnet and CBC broadcast every playoff game nationally, so Canadian Caps fans won’t miss a shift during the chase for the Stanley Cup.
How to watch the Washington Capitals for free
While watching most Capitals games requires a TV subscription, you have a couple of great options for watching for free. Your most reliable free option is a digital antenna, which will get you every national Capitals game that airs on ABC at no cost.
For games on cable channels like ESPN and TNT, you can strategically use a live TV streaming free trial. Services like DIRECTV and Fubo often offer trial periods, giving you full coverage for a limited stretch—perfect for a key run of games.
Pro tip for Canadian fans: Your best free viewing option is to stream Hockey Night in Canada games on CBC Gem. You can also keep an eye out for free trial offers for streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Sportsnet+, and TSN+.
How to watch the Washington Capitals FAQ
How can I watch the Capitals if I live out of market?
If you’re outside the Capitals’ local market, the easiest way to follow the team is with ESPN+, which streams nearly every out-of-market regular-season game live and on demand. To catch nationally televised matchups, you’ll also need a live TV streaming service that carries ESPN and TNT Sports channels.
Does ESPN+ show every Capitals game?
Not exactly. ESPN+ is your home for nearly all live, out-of-market games, but it is subject to blackouts. Any game airing nationally on ABC, ESPN, or TNT will be blacked out, as will local games on Monumental Sports Network if you’re in the D.C. area.
How can I stream Monumental Sports Network without cable?
The easiest way to stream Monumental Sports Network is with a standalone Monumental+ subscription. If you prefer a more robust TV package, you can also get the channel through live TV streaming services like DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. Of course, these options are only available to in-market subscribers.
How can I watch Capitals preseason games?
Capitals preseason games typically air on Monumental Sports Network for in-market fans. For out-of-market viewers, some preseason games may be available on ESPN+ or NHL Network.
Can the Capitals repeat last season’s success?
The Capitals shocked the hockey world last season by finishing second overall in the NHL standings—a massive leap for a team many thought was past its prime. Alex Ovechkin continued to lead the charge, while Dylan Strome and Pierre-Luc Dubois emerged as key offensive drivers. Veterans like John Carlson and Tom Wilson provided stability at both ends of the ice. The question now is whether Washington can sustain that pace. Regression is always a possibility after such a big jump, especially with an older core. The team will need Strome to keep producing, younger players to step up, and the goaltending tandem to stay sharp in a competitive Metropolitan Division. In short, the Capitals are no longer flying under the radar. They’ve proven they can contend—but the challenge in 2025–2026 will be proving last year wasn’t a one-off.
Why you should trust us
CableTV.com’s NHL viewing guides are built by writers who live and breathe the game. This article was written by Ian McLaren, a lifelong hockey fan who has covered the NHL for nearly 20 years. As host of the Locked On Boston Bruins podcast, he has tracked every twist of Alex Ovechkin’s chase for Wayne Gretzky’s goals record, dating all the way back to seeing Ovechkin’s first four-goal game live.
To create this guide, Ian reviewed the full 2025–2026 NHL broadcast schedule and double-checked every channel and streaming service. His goal is to give every Capitals fan—from D.C. to across North America—the most accurate and reliable TV info for watching their team.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
