Capitals announce home opener for Oct. 12 vs. Devils

The Washington Capitals, in addition to the free agent, draft, and trade frenzy, also announced their home opener date and opponent. This will kick off their 50th season and they'll host the New Jersey Devils but there are also numerous fan events surrounding the big night which includes an alumni weekend. Both the Caps and the Devils began play in the 1974-75 season though the Devils were called the Kansas City Scouts upon entry into the league.

50th anniversary celebration for the ages

The festivities before the home opener that's presented by Geico include a Rock the Red carpet event followed by a special pregame ceremony to honor 50 years of Capitals hockey, per the release. Thursday Oct. 10 through Sunday Oct. 13 will be alumni weekend.

The Caps will kick things off with a 50th kickoff celebration at Capital One Arena on Thursday Oct. 10. On Friday Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. is the alumni game at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. Puck drop for the home opener is Saturday Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.

The event that Thursday will feature a concert featuring a to be announced headling musical act. There will be various activations and experiences throughout the celebration. The weekend will bring together former Capitals players to reconnect with old teammates and current Capitals players.

Be sure to check out more information celebrating the 50th season at WashCaps.com/Caps50th.

Last season the Caps took three out of four from the Devils and each win was impressive. A win late October in New Jersey jump started the Caps. It continued with another win in the Garden State in November. While the Caps dropped the home ice contest on Jan 3 they bounced back with a 6-2 win on Feb. 20 just weeks before the trade deadline.

When the Capitals take the ice they'll look much different but I imagine a hungrier team in year two of the Spencer Carbery era.