Whenever the hockey season starts in January instead of October, you know things are going to be different – but this year will be a season unlike any other, as pandemic conditions require even more changes to the NHL schedule. Each team will play 56 games but will only face their division opponents over the course of the season and through the first two rounds of the playoffs.
In the Caps’ case, that means eight games apiece against each of their East Division neighbors. That means a lot of face time with the Bruins, Sabres, Devils, Islanders, Rangers, Flyers, and Penguins.
Joy of joys.
With the NHL releasing the full schedule today, we now know that the Caps will kick off their condensed season against the Sabres in Buffalo on January 14.
A few notes on the schedule:
Check out the full slate of games for the Capitals’ 2020-21 season:
As always, see Mike Vogel’s breakdown for more key dates and things to note for the upcoming campaign, and here’s a refresher on the playoff format per NHL.com: