The 2025-26 NHL season promises to be an exciting one for Washington Capitals fans, filled with intriguing matchups and milestone moments. Here are eight games that should be circled on every Caps supporter's calendar.

October 8 vs. Boston Bruins: The Capitals kick off their season at home against a familiar foe, the Boston Bruins. This marks the third time in the last eight seasons that Washington has started its campaign against Boston at home. Opening night is always special, and facing a tough opponent like the Bruins will set the tone for the season.

October 12 vs. New York Rangers: Just three nights after the home opener, the Caps hit the road for a weekend back-to-back, concluding with a visit to the New York Rangers. Games against the Rangers are always intense, divisional battles, and this early-season test will be a good measuring stick for the Capitals.

November 11 vs. Carolina Hurricanes: This game marks the Capitals' only visit to Carolina this season. Contests against the Hurricanes are known for their speed and skill, providing a high-octane matchup.

November 15-28 Home Stand: The Capitals have a home-heavy stretch from Nov. 15-28, playing seven of eight games at home. This is a crucial part of the season where the Caps can rack up points and solidify their position in the standings.

December 20-21 vs. Detroit Red Wings: This weekend features a rare home-and-home back-to-back against the Detroit Red Wings. Such a scheduling quirk adds an extra layer of intrigue and competitiveness to these games, as both teams will quickly become intimately familiar with each other's strategies.

February 5 vs. Nashville Predators: This is the last home game before a lengthy break in the schedule to accommodate player participation in the 2026 Olympic Games in Milano and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. The Capitals won't play again until February 25, making this a key game to head into the break on a positive note.

February 25 vs. Philadelphia Flyers: Coming out of the Olympic break, the Capitals host the Philadelphia Flyers. Games against the Flyers are always heated, and this one will be especially important as the Caps look to regain their momentum after the pause. Notably, the Caps will face the Flyers four times in a relatively short span from February 3 to March 31.

April 12 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: The Capitals conclude their home schedule against their rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. This late-season game could have significant playoff implications, and the intensity between these two teams is always high. It's also the only time the Penguins visit Washington during the regular season.

These eight games represent a blend of rivalry matchups, important divisional contests, and milestone moments throughout the 2025-26 Washington Capitals season. With a mix of home and road games, and varying levels of competition, these are the games that fans won't want to miss.