Breaking down November 2023 for the Capitals

The month of November for the Washington Capitals has begun with the hard news that Nicklas Backstrom is stepping away from the game. As the Caps adjust to the new lineup and some salary cap relief once Backstrom is placed on LTIR, let’s take a look at the matchups this month will bring.

The Caps are back in game action tomorrow night when they host the New York Islanders who sit at 4-2-2 with 10 points. That’s a big matchup as the Isles are fourth in the Metropolitan Division and third in the wild card.

On Saturday the Caps take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is a game that could go either way as they sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 3-4-2 record with eight points. Only the Pittsburgh Penguins are worse.

The long homestand concludes when the Caps host the Florida Panthers on Nov. 8. That’s another team neck and neck with the Caps in the wild card standings. The Caps will have a road back to back that weekend against the New Jersey Devils and the Islanders on Nov. 10th and 11th.

On Nov. 14 the Caps are back home to welcome the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights. Sitting at the first place in the Pacific Division with no regulation losses and a 9-0-1 record, this will be a tough game for the Caps.

The Caps will once again host the Blue Jackets on Nov. 18 for Hockey Fights Cancer night. Then the Buffalo Sabres come to town on Nov. 22 for the Caps traditional Thanksgiving Eve home game. On Nov. 24 get your Black Friday shopping done early as the Capitals host Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.

The month of November ends with a three game road trip in California. First up is the San Jose Sharks on Nov. 27. Then it’s a back to back on the 29th and 30th with stops in Los Angles against the Kings and finally the Anaheim Ducks to close out the month.

The month of November is filled with challenging games and a lot of key Eastern Conference matchups that can determine the course of the wild card standings.