Caps’ 2022 playoffs fan guide: Schedule, giveaways, watch parties originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
The Capitals (44-25-12) are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 14th time in the last 15 seasons after tallying 100 points to qualify as the second Wild Card team in a loaded Eastern Conference.
Washington’s road to the Stanley Cup begins in Sunrise, Fla., where the top-seeded Panthers (58-17-6) are looking to build off their highest point total in franchise history. The two teams will square off in a best-of-seven series that starts Tuesday.
Here’s everything you need to know before puck drop.
Schedule
All times listed are Eastern Standard Time.
Game 1 – Capitals 4, Panthers 2
When: Tuesday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Fla.
TV: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Caps Radio 24/7
Game 2 – Panthers 5, Capitals 1
When: Thursday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida
TV: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Caps Radio 24/7
Game 3 – Capitals 6, Panthers 1
When: Saturday, May 7 at 1 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
TV: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Caps Radio 24/7
Game 4 – Panthers 3, Capitals 2 (OT)
When: Monday, May 9 at 7 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
TV: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Caps Radio 24/7
Game 5 – Panthers 5, Capitals 3
When: Wednesday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida
TV: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Caps Radio 24/7
Game 6 – Panthers vs. Capitals
When: Friday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
TV: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Caps Radio 24/7
Game 7* – Capitals vs. Panthers
When: Sunday, May 15 (time TBD)
Where: FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida
TV: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: 106.7 The Fan, Caps Radio 24/7
*if necessary
All first-round games will be available regionally on NBC Sports Washington and streamed live on the MyTeams app.
NBC Sports Washington will also surround all playoff games with live gameday programs Capitals Pregame Live and Capitals Postgame Live. Capitals Pregame Live will be broadcasted one hour before game time. The shows will be hosted by Alexa Landestoy and feature analyst Alan May, with Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin contributing to coverage. Brent Johnson and Al Koken will make regular appearances on pregame and postgame throughout the playoffs.
Giveaways
ALL CAPS Lawn Signs
The Capitals are handing out free “ALL CAPS” lawn signs at the Medstar Capitals Iceplex and Capital One Arena Team Stores while supplies last. Fans are permitted to take one sign per person.
Rally Towels
Fans that attend Games 3 and 4 of the Capitals’ first-round series against the Panthers will receive rally towels courtesy of Boeing. The team will also hand out blinking LED light sticks for Game 3.
Playoff Tickets
Fans can enter for a chance to win tickets to a playoff game by visiting the Capitals-themed mural on Main Avenue at the Wharf. The mural, created by artist Amber Roe, has a QR code for fans to scan in order to enter.
Red Deliveries
The Capitals plan to distribute playoff-themed fan gear such as koozies, posters and rally towels to over 200 bars, restaurants and small businesses across the D.C. area.
Capital One Café
Fans who wear Capitals apparel to either of the Capital One Cafés in Anacostia and Georgetown will be able to purchase any sized handcrafted drink for $1. Limit four beverages per transaction.
Special Treats for Game 3
When the Caps take on the Panthers at Capital One Arena for Game 3 on Saturday, a special 'Treat Me' robot from Aramark will make its way around the arena to deliver fresh baked goods.
Per Monumental Sports, "This will mark Tortoise’s first launch at an NHL game" and will be filled with baked goods containing treats from local favorites like Ted's Bulletin. Guests will simply need to tap their credit card to purchase treats like a cherry blossom rice krispies treat, smores, and a special cinnamon roll sandwich.
Watch Parties
Destination Game Day
For fans that aren’t attending home games at the arena, the Capitals invite them to visit any of the 39 team-partnered bars across the DMV for Destination Game Day presented by Bud Light. The full list of bars can be found here with locations in D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The Capitals will sponsor giveaways and drink specials for Bud Light and Capit-ALE.
Capital One Fan Van
For two hours before each home game, the Capital One Fan Van will be parked on F Street with free giveaways for fans. Former Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner will be there to sign autographs and take pictures as well.
Away Games
The “Official Playoff Viewing Party Headquarters” of Capitals away games is Caesars Sportsbook at Capitals One Arena. In addition to more giveaways, there will be food and drink specials and appearances by Caps alumni.
