5 Must-Watch Washington Capitals Games During 2013-14
Thoughts Heading Into The Washington Capitals 2013-14 Season
The Washington Capitals regular-season opener is now only 18 days away, meaning that the frenzy that is the NHL season is almost upon us. What a comfort it is to know that the Capitals will once again have a chance to once prove to the world that they have what it takes to win a Stanley Cup. After all with a roster that includes Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, Nick Green, Marcus Johansson and John Carlson playoff hockey during the season during the 2013-14 is nearly a lock. This group has helped the lead to five division titles in the last six seasons, and the 2013-14 season does not appear to be a changing of the guard with each of these players still being 28 years or younger when the season begins and within their prime years.
But along the way to this almost pre-determined stretch of playoff hockey that will define whether the Capitals season was a success or a bust, the team must play an 82-game schedule. During this schedule, the team will play a number of games that are bound to bore the mind, such as a Thursday night matchup against the Florida Panthers on February 27. Games such as this matchup are just a fact of life in the NHL schedule that dictates each team plays an 82-game regular season schedule that stretches over seven months, taxing both the players bodies and the fans wallets along the way.
But do not fear, fans, you are not going to be wasting you time and money watching an 82-game schedule for nothing, as there will be a multitude of exciting games along the way from a Capitals team that is young and talented. We have decided to compile a list of the five most exciting games on the Capitals 2013-14 schedule and put them in a list.
Enjoy!
5. Tuesday March 25 vs Los Angeles Kings
This will be the only time that the Los Angeles Kings come to the Verizon Center during the 2013-14 season and should be a great game. After all, when you have a collection of talents that includes Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Alexander Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, amongst others, there is bound to be a large amount of goals and exciting action throughout the game.
4. Sunday February 2 vs Detroit Red Wings
This will be the Capitals first home game as Eastern Conference foes against the Detroit Red Wings, meaning this game could have playoff implications. Both teams seem likely to be fighting for spots at the top of the Eastern Conference, and will be looking to squeeze out as many points as possible before the Olympic break begins on February 9. Luckily for fans, this game will be on NBC, making it readily available to Capitals fans throughout the United States.
3. October 1 vs Chicago Blackhawks
This game is the season opener for the Capitals, giving fans their first glimpse of what is in store during the 2013-14 season. What better litmus test could the Capitals receive in their opening game than playing the Chicago Blackhawks? The defending champs will be out for blood coming off of a Stanley Cup championship 2012-13 season, meaning this could be one of the best games of the first half of the NHL season. The NHL and its television partner NBC appeared to agree with this assessment when they scheduled the game to be on NBCSN.
2. October 16 vs New York Rangers
The Capitals and New York Rangers have absolutely hated each other in recent seasons, making it hard to envision the two teams first matchup as Metropolitan Division foes being anything other than a blood battle. Tune in to NBCSN at 8 p.m. to watch this one and be prepared to watch a few fights.
1. November 20 vs Pittsburgh Penguins
This game will be the Capitals first game as division rivals in the Metropolitan Division against the Pittsburgh Penguins, making for a must-watch game. Not that either of these teams will need extra motivation in a matchup that has become one of the best in the NHL. There is no doubt that this one will be a great game, and could even feature a fight or two to please those who only watch hockey for the fighting.
