If you’re hunting for the washington dc hockey schedule, you probably already know that Capital One Arena is basically a cathedral for the "Rock the Red" faithful. But honestly? Just looking at a list of dates is the quickest way to miss the best parts of the season.
We are currently in the thick of the 2025-26 NHL campaign, and things are getting weird—in a good way. Between Alex Ovechkin’s relentless pursuit of more records and a massive 17-day mid-season break for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, planning your trip to 7th and F Street requires a bit more nuance than usual.
The January and February 2026 Grind
Right now, the Capitals are navigating a brutal stretch. If you've looked at the calendar lately, you’ll notice a heavy mix of Atlantic Division foes and long flights.
On Tuesday, January 13, the Montreal Canadiens come to town. This isn't just another game; it’s the first time the Habs have been back in DC since the Capitals knocked them out of the playoffs last April. If you're going, get there early—every fan in the building is getting a Dylan Strome bobblehead.
The schedule stays busy through the rest of the month:
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- Thursday, Jan 15: San Jose Sharks at Capital One Arena (7:00 PM)
- Saturday, Jan 17: Florida Panthers visit for Pride Night. If you grabbed the special ticket pack, you’re getting that Pride-themed sweater.
- The "Western Gauntlet": Starting January 19, the boys head out on a six-game road trip. They’ll hit Colorado, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Seattle, and Detroit. Basically, don't expect to see them home again until the very end of the month.
When they finally return on January 31 to face the Hurricanes, it's Margaritaville Night. Yes, they are giving away Alex Ovechkin tropical mugs. It's the kind of chaotic energy you need before the league shuts down for the Olympics.
Why the February Gap Matters
Here is the thing most casual fans forget: the NHL is taking a massive breather from February 6 to February 22, 2026.
The Washington DC hockey schedule essentially vanishes for three weeks while the world’s best head to Italy. For the Caps, this is a double-edged sword. Players like Tom Wilson and Logan Thompson have already been named to Team Canada. While it's great for them, it leaves the rest of the roster sitting in DC, trying to stay game-ready.
The team plays the Nashville Predators at home on February 5, and then... nothing. Silence until February 25 when the Philadelphia Flyers come to town. If you’re trying to buy tickets as a Valentine’s Day gift, you’re out of luck. There are no games.
Where to Watch if You Aren't in the Building
Watching the Caps in 2026 is a bit of a maze. Monumental Sports Network (MNMT) is still the primary home for local fans in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. But the national TV schedule is "league-leading" this year.
Washington has 18 nationally televised games this season. That’s more than 20% of their total schedule.
- TNT/HBO Max: These guys have the rights to some of the biggest matchups, including the January 19 game against Colorado and the regular-season finale against Pittsburgh on April 12.
- ESPN+/Hulu: Be careful with these. The game on January 29 at Detroit is exclusive to streaming. If you have traditional cable but no Hulu or ESPN+, you're staring at a black screen.
- ABC: These are usually the weekend afternoon games, like the March 7 tilt in Boston and the March 14 home game against the Bruins.
Looking Ahead: The Stretch Run
If you’re planning for the spring, the washington dc hockey schedule gets very intense in March.
March 14 to March 22 features a critical four-game homestand. You’ve got the Bruins, Senators, Devils, and Avalanche all coming through. The March 22 game against Colorado is a big one for the kids—the first 3,000 youngsters get a Slapshot plush hat.
The season eventually wraps up on April 12 at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins. It’s a 3:00 PM matinee on TNT. Given the standings right now, that game could very well decide who gets a Wild Card spot and who starts their summer vacation early.
Pro Tips for the 2026 Season
- Check the Start Times: Because of the heavy national TV schedule, several games have had their times shifted. The game against Detroit on January 29 moved from 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Always double-check the Monumental app before you head to the Metro.
- The "Mentors' Trip" Hangover: The team just finished their annual trip where they bring their dads/mentors along. Historically, teams either play with massive adrenaline or come home totally exhausted. Keep an eye on that Montreal game on the 13th to see which version shows up.
- Ticket Value: Mid-week games against Western Conference teams like Utah (March 3) or San Jose (Jan 15) are usually the cheapest way into the building. If you just want the atmosphere without the $200 price tag of a Rangers or Pens game, those are your best bets.
Actionable Next Steps:
Download the Capitals Mobile App and sync the schedule to your phone calendar immediately. This is the only way to stay on top of the 2026 time changes. If you are looking for specific promotional items like the Ovi-Wan Kenobi bobblehead (Feb 5 vs. Nashville), you must purchase through the "Special Ticket Offer" link on the official NHL site, as standard secondary market tickets usually don't include the giveaway voucher.