Capitals Will Face Penguins Four Times In Regular Season, Including January 1st Winter Classic

If you're a Capitals die-hard, or even just a casual fan, there are two games on the recently released season schedule that interest you more than any others. Thursday December 23rd, and Saturday January 1st, both against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Corey Massaik looked at both matchups on CSN Washington.com.

THURSDAY, Dec. 23 – vs. PITTSBURGH

Skinny: Everyone’s first chance to see the newest “best rivalry in the league” (sorry Colorado-Detroit, Battle of Alberta, etc.) and expect any shenanigans to be highlighted about 37 times eight days later when these teams meet on a much grander stage.

SATURDAY, Jan. 1 – at PITTSBURGH (Heinz Field)

Skinny: Not much to say here, other than it is the league’s signature game of the season and it will involve the two signature players for the first time. If the weather abides, this could be the coolest regular-season game in team history … until the one at Nationals Park/FedEx Field/RFK Stadium/Camden Yards in a couple years.

It's just the league's signature game with their two biggest stars, really, no big deal. That's the biggest game of the season not just because every Caps fan will be watching, but because everybody else will too.

Capitals Full 2010/11 Schedule Released

The NHL has officially released the full 2010/11 schedule, one day after the home openers were leaked. To see the Capitals' full schedule, including the January 1 Winter Classic game against the Penguins, click here.

Capitals' Preseason Schedule Announced

Despite being the best team in the NHL last season, the Washington Capitals will open the 2010/11 season on the road. Yup, no respect.

(Kidding, sort of).

Anyway, the Capitals will begin their season against the Thrashers in Atlanta on October 8, then return home the next night to play New Jersey in their home opener. A full list of home openers can be found on the official blog of the Thrashers, who leaked the list here.

The Capitals' preseason schedule was also announced today, with the first game coming September 22 on the road against Columbus. The full regular-season schedule will be announced tomorrow.

(Via SBNation.com).