The Washington Capitals are set to take center stage in the 2025-26 NHL season, with a league-leading 18 nationally televised games. This extensive coverage highlights the team's prominence and the league's anticipation of key storylines surrounding the Capitals.
The broadcast schedule is spread across multiple networks and platforms. Eight games will air on TNT, four on ESPN, and three on ABC. Additionally, three games will be exclusively available on ESPN+ and Hulu. The season opener against the Boston Bruins on October 8 at Capital One Arena will be broadcast on TNT, offering fans a primetime introduction to the Capitals' campaign. ESPN will also broadcast Washington's second home game on October 14, versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Several factors contribute to this heightened national attention. Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of the all-time goal-scoring record continues to captivate audiences. The potential of the 2025-26 season being Ovechkin's last in the NHL adds another layer of intrigue. The debut of rookie star Ryan Leonard, who is expected to play a full season, also generates significant interest. Leonard's transition from college to professional hockey will be closely monitored after he had a strong season with Boston College, amassing 49 points in 37 games, and scoring his first NHL goal with the Capitals. He was also selected to participate in the NHL Players' Association rookie showcase at MedStar Capitals IcePlex.
The national broadcast schedule also strategically features key matchups. Six of Washington's final seven regular-season games will be televised on ABC, ESPN, or TNT, ensuring maximum exposure as the season approaches its climax. All three games against their rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, will be nationally televised. This includes an ESPN+/Hulu exclusive game in early November and a home-and-home series in April. The Capitals will also face off against top Western Conference teams, including the Edmonton Oilers on November 19, the Dallas Stars on January 7, and the Colorado Avalanche on January 19.
The Capitals' increased national TV presence comes as the NHL seeks to boost its viewership. The league has expanded its national TV coverage by 16 windows compared to the 2024-25 season, with a total of 125 regular-season games across TNT, ESPN, and ABC. This increase aims to reverse the 12% dip in average viewership experienced in the previous season.
Despite the increase in national TV games, local fans can still catch the action on Monumental Sports Network. It is also likely that the national games will be simulcast on Monumental Sports Network with the commentary of Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin.
With a mix of established stars and promising rookies, the Washington Capitals are set to provide compelling storylines throughout the 2025-26 season. The increased national television exposure reflects the league's confidence in the Capitals' ability to draw viewers and generate excitement.
