Leave it to the NHL to botch a fun and simple idea that would have pleased its collective fanbase.
After the Capitals finally conquered the Penguins, their arch nemesis and frequent playoff foil, on the way to winning the 2018 Stanley Cup, it made complete sense to bring Sidney Crosby and Co. to D.C. to open the 2018-19 season and watch as the franchise raises its first championship banner to the Capital One Arena rafters. Only fair, since the NHL cruelly made the Caps look on during the 2016-17 ceremony in Pittsburgh.
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That's not happening. Instead, the Capitals host the Bruins on Oct. 4 to begin the defense of their title. What's more, they'll hit the road immediately after the game and head to Pittsburgh for the Penguins' season opener Oct. 5. Congrats on that Cup win. Here's two games in two nights. Sigh.
Below is a complete list of dates for every team's first game on the 2018-19 schedule.
NHL 2018-19 season openers
| Anaheim Ducks: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. Sharks |
| Arizona Coyotes: Thursday, Oct. 4 at Stars |
| Boston Bruins: Wednesday, Oct. 3 at Capitals |
| Buffalo Sabres: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Bruins |
| Calgary Flames: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. Canucks |
| Carolina Hurricanes: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Islanders |
| Chicago Blackhawks: Thursday, Oct. 4 at Senators |
| Colorado Avalanche: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Wild |
| Columbus Blue Jackets: Thursday, Oct. 4 at Red Wings |
| Dallas Stars: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Coyotes |
| Detroit Red Wings: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Blue Jackets |
| Edmonton Oilers: Saturday, Oct. 6 vs. Devils (in Sweden) |
| Florida Panthers: Saturday, Oct. 6 at Lightning |
| Los Angeles Kings: Friday, Oct. 5 vs. Sharks |
| Minnesota Wild: Thursday, Oct. 4 at Colorado |
| Montreal Canadiens: Wednesday, Oct. 3 at Maple Leafs |
| Nashville Predators: Thursday, Oct. 4 at Rangers |
| New Jersey Devils: Saturday Oct. 6 vs. Oilers (in Sweden) |
| New York Islanders: Thursday, Oct. 4 at Hurricanes |
| New York Rangers: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Predators |
| Ottawa Senators: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Blackhawks |
| Philadelphia Flyers: Thursday, Oct. 4 at Golden Knights |
| Pittsburgh Penguins: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Capitals |
| St. Louis Blues: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Jets |
| San Jose Sharks: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. Ducks |
| Tampa Bay Lighting: Saturday, Oct. 6 vs. Panthers |
| Toronto Maple Leafs: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. Canadiens |
| Vancouver Canucks: Wednesday, Oct. 3 at Flames |
| Vegas Golden Knights: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Flyers |
| Washington Capitals: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. Bruins |
| Winnipeg Jets: Thursday, Oct. 4 at Blues |
