If there is ever a prime example of why you should never give up on the season, it’s the 2023-24 Washington Capitals. They never scored often, and star forward Alexander Ovechkin didn’t look like the elite player we’ve known him as for most of the year. But Ovechkin started scoring, goaltender Charlie Lindgren put up some Vezina-worthy outings, and the Capitals, despite a minus-37 goal differential, made it.
Washington should have quite a following in the 2024 NHL Playoffs, as they are the bottom overall seed in the East and a team few will give a chance to win. If you just like pulling for underdogs, or if you want to see Ovechkin and company hoist the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2018, here is everything you need to know about the Capitals Round 1 opponents, when the games start, and how to watch.
Who are the Washington Capitals squaring off with in Round 1?
The Capitals will play the Presidents’ Trophy-winning New York Rangers, and it won’t be an easy one for Washington, as the Blueshirts will know exactly what’s coming. This is a series featuring one team with something to prove and another looking to avoid becoming the second Presidents’ Trophy winner in as many seasons to lose in the First Round.
When are the Capitals scheduled to begin Round 1?
The Capitals and Rangers will play Game 1 on Sunday, April 21st at 3:00 PM, while Games 2 through 7 (if necessary) will take place on:
- Game 2: Tuesday, April 23rd at 7 PM
- Game 3: Friday, April 26th at 7 PM
- Game 4: Sunday, April 28th at 8 PM
- Game 5: Wednesday, May 1st TBD (if necessary)
- Game 6: Friday, May 3rd TBD (if necessary)
- Game 7: Sunday, May 5th TBD (if necessary)
How to watch all the Capitals matchups in Round 1?
Catch Game 1 on ESPN if you’re in the U.S., and SN or TVAS have you covered if you’re in Canada. Check out Games 2 through 7 on the following networks:
- Game 2: ESPN, TVAS, SNE, SNO, SNW
- Game 3: MAX, TNT, truTV, TVAS, SN360
- Game 4: MAX, TBS, truTV, TVAS, SN 360, SNE, SNO, SNP
- Game 5: TBD (if necessary)
- Game 6: TBD (if necessary)
- Game 7: TBD (if necessary)
You can also catch the games on fuboTV if you would rather stream the action between the Caps and Rangers.
“fuboTV has live NHL games on ESPN, which you can stream from your phone, television, and all your favorite devices. This is a service that broadcasts live TV over the internet, no cable is required. Watch your favorite teams, network shows, news, and movies on over 100+ channels. Plus on-demand entertainment including full TV series. fuboTV is currently available in the United States, Canada, and Spain.”
What to watch for in the Caps Round 1 matchup?
The Rangers may be a tough team, but the Caps split with them in the regular season, so there is no need to count them out despite what looks like a lopsided matchup. Washington also stifled the Rangers high-scoring units overall, allowing just nine goals against Artemi Panarin and company. This shows us a rather deceptive matchup could be at play, and we shouldn’t assume the Rangers will easily take this series.
(Data provided by Hockey-Reference)