The announcement of the 2025-2026 season nationally televised games - on ESPN, TNT, and ESPN+ - made it clear that the Capitals are the team to watch. Literally.
Washington is going to appear a leading 18 times, including 8 games on TNT, 4 games on ESPN, and 3 games on ABC. Three Capitals games will air exclusively on ESPN+/ Hulu. If you didn't grab tickets in the single game ticket rush last week, then rest assured that you can watch the first two home games of the season from your very own home.
Other notable televised games will include a much awaited Ovi/Crosby matchup in the away game against the Penguins on November 6. There are no TV games in December, but three to catch in January.
An end of season battle against the Maple Leafs, April 8, should set the tone for playoffs. That will be one of six consecutive games on the small screen in April between the 2nd and the 14th.
I'm not a fortune teller, but it seems to me that the network schedulers are expecting big things from the 21st season of the world's goal leader, Leonard's rookie season, and a very tight first three offensive lines; Carbery hinted this week that McMichael will lead the third.
To put things in perspective, the team with the next most televised games is a three-way tie between the Bruins, the Red Wings, and the Avalanche with 17 each. And there will be 16 games featuring the Stars, the Oilers, the Rangers, the Wild, and the Penguins.
There are some things you just have to see for yourself. This year it's the Capitals.