Top 3 reasons to get excited for Stadium Series
The Washington Capitals take on the Carolina Hurricanes in what could be a huge game that determines their course for the rest of the season. I’m not saying the Capitals will sell but it could have an impact on what they could do with the upcoming trade deadline.
Before the Caps take on the Canes outside the team will take on the Florida Panthers as I’m writing this. Should the Capitals lose to the Panthers, Saturday’s game will be even bigger. A win tonight would give the Caps momentum as they look for revenge from having their heart broke on Valentines Day no pun intended.
#3 Playoff preview?
Right now the Hurricanes are first in the Metropolitan Division and second in the Eastern Conference. Which means should the Capitals finish with the first wild card spot, they could face the Hurricanes this spring. This game would be a playoff preview. The Caps so far are 0-1-1 against the Hurricanes.
They dropped the first matchup on Halloween night in Carolina in a shootout. They then fell to them on home ice on Tuesday night. Saturday will be payback as the Caps look for their first win this season against those “bunch of jerks.”
#2 College Football Meets Hockey
Another reason to get pumped for the Stadium Series this year besides getting to see our Capitals play is that if you’re going to the game, expect a college football like atmosphere. The game will be played at Carter Finley Stadium on the campus of North Carolina State. The stadium is across the way from the Hurricanes arena which also houses the Wolfpack basketball team.
In one of the end zones, some lucky students at NC State will get to watch the game from the field level, creating a student section like atmosphere. If you’ve been to those high school or college games where the crowd from both sides are into it, expect that kind of scene on Saturday night as numerous Capitals fans will make this trip.
The parking lots open at 2 with the drop of the puck taking place at 8 p.m. There will be tailgates from the traditional ones to the Truly Hard Seltzer NHL Pre Game over at the PNC Arena East 1000 Parking Lot. If you have a ticket to the game you have access to the Pre Game.
Sometimes the tailgates are more fun than the game but I’m sure the game will be just as fun as long as the Caps BRING IT.
#1 We taking over
Rumor has it that when the Carolina Hurricanes were awarded the NHL Stadium Series they didn’t want their opponent for the outdoor game to be the Washington Capitals. Why? Simple.
Capitals fans travel well and they knew they were going to travel well for this game with Raleigh being four and a half hours away from the D.C. area. Fans will drive down and lots of us will be there. Heck, even I will be there so if you run into me come say hi.
Last time the Capitals were on the road for an outdoor game was the 2011 Winter Classic against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Heinz Field where it was estimated that at least 30,000 Caps fans made the trip in a over 60K NFL stadium.
In the fall, Carter Finley Stadium is home to the North Carolina State Wolfpack. It seats 57,583. If at least 20K Caps fans show up or even 25K it would level the playing field and make this road game nearly a neutral site or home atmosphere. It’s up to us to bring it.
Must Read. Breaking down latest on Carl Hagelin’s injury. light
While many of us will be there, Alex Ovechkin won’t be due to the death of his father. Our hearts and prayers are with the Ovechkin family and we hope the Caps can get a win for him. Puck drop is at 8 p.m. Saturday on ABC and ESPN plus.