The Washington Capitals will raise their first Stanley Cup banner and open their title defense on Oct. 3 against the Boston Bruins.
The Capitals will open the rival Pittsburgh Penguins' season on Oct. 4 in Pittsburgh. The NHL announced home openers for all 31 teams on Wednesday and will release the full schedule on Thursday.
Washington did not face the Bruins during its Cup run but has beaten them 12 consecutive times. The Capitals were there for the Penguins' banner-raising ceremony in 2016 after losing to Pittsburgh in the second round.