Big Games To Watch in the 2014-2015 Washington Capitals Season

I know. You’re excited. But don’t worry, so am I. After all, Capitals hockey is only 62 days away from the preseason opener, and even less time between now and training camp. Below you can find the full schedule, and you can also see the games in a list format here (preseason) and here (regular season).

Here are some big dates and games you should keep your eye out for:

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Sunday, Sept. 21: Preseason opener vs. Buffalo in D.C. 

The wait will finally be over. We will get to see, hopefully, the beginning of the newcomers in a Caps sweater. This means first impressions of Matt Niskanen, Brooks Orpik, and possibly Justin Peters. Not only will it be a series of firsts for the Caps, but the Buffalo Sabres will be able to showcase their new line-up after a rather busy free agency. Certainty, it will be a game to tune in to.

Thursday, October 9: Home opener vs. Montreal

Finally, the big day is here. The merto will be packed. The red jerseys will be flooding Chinatown. The voice of scalpers will be filling the airways. Slapshot will be on the street giving out high-fives. The Caps will begin their campaign towards Lord Stanley, hoping to fulfill the void that has been in the hearts of Caps fans for years. It will also be a test against the tough Montreal Canadiens,who made a surprisingly deep run in the 2013-2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs Highlight this date because all the cards will be on the table by now.

Wednesday, October 22: Beginning of first road trip in Edmonton

The Caps will begin their first test of the season starting a road trip visiting the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks. While these three teams have not been extremely strong in years past, the Caps will be on the road for three straight games. On the bright side, the team proved their prowess on the road last season after their long campaign in California. Hopefully they can do the same come October.

Friday, November 7: First taste of Blackhawk blood

With the upcoming Winter Classic on New Year’s Day, the Caps will take on the Chicago Blackhawks in their own house and get a taste of what is to come on the first day of 2015.

Saturday, December 27: First game against the Pens in Pittsburgh

The good ‘ol Caps-Pens rivalry will resume at Consol Energy Center. The Caps have lost the last seven games against the Pittsburgh Penguins under the Oates Regime and look to fix their numerous mistakes. It will also be a homecoming for Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik. Hopefully they don’t back out of playing against former teams like some other Capitals players have done…

Thursday, January 1: The Winter Classic

This is the big daddy and will without a dobut be one of the most exciting games this season. While the location for the Winter Classic is not yet set, although rumored to be at Nats Park, it will draw a huge crowd from both Chicagoans and DCers alike.

Denver, CO, USA; Nashville Predators head coach Barry Trotz calls out from his bench in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Friday, January 16: Caps take on Preds in Nashville

Barry Trotz, the only coach in Nashville Predators history, will be back in Tennessee to pay a visit to his old home.

Wednesday, January 28: Round two against Pittsburgh in DC

Self-explanatory, except this time in DC.

Wednesday, February 11: Longest road trip of the season

The Caps will go on their hardest trip of the entire season, facing off against powerhouses such as the San Jose Sharks, reigning champions LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and ending the campaign in the Penguins’ nest. You should definitely save up all your vacation days for these games, as you certainty will not want to miss them.

Wednesday, February 25: Pens… again

Again, self-explanatory.

Saturday, April 11: Hopefully not the season’s close

The Caps will be taking on the New York Rangers to close out the regular season. Hopefully this isn’t the last game of the entire season, and we will be seeing the Caps play some summer hockey.  Only time will tell what happens. Looking forward to riding the roller-coaster, full of ups and downs, that is Capitals Hockey.

Did I miss any games? Comment below what you are looking forward to this season.