Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Number One: Ducks, Penguins, Flyers, Panthers and Islanders vs. Washington Capitals
WHEN: January 22nd through February 4th, 2016 (January 22nd, January 24th, January 27th, February 2nd, February 4th)
WHO: Anaheim Ducks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Florida Panthers and New York Islanders
WHY: This home stand will be extremely tough for the Washington Capitals. They’ll face four playoff contenders and a team that they struggled against last season in the Philadelphia Flyers. Even when you factor in the All-Star Break halfway through this home stand, it’s still a very tough one.
The Ducks are shaping up to be the favorite to win the Western Conference, so the match up on January 22nd could be a Stanley Cup preview. This will also be a return to the Verizon Center for Bruce Boudreau, the former Capitals head coach.
The Capitals went 1-2-1 against the Flyers last season. However, the Capitals have improved quite a bit from last season. They should do better against the Flyers this season.
The Panthers should contend for a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. This is also a primetime game for the Capitals. Last year, the Capitals went 2-0-1 against the Panthers.
Next: Power Ranking The Capitals Primetime Matchups