WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals will face the Columbus Blue Jackets in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The series schedule was released Sunday with Game 1 set for Thursday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Arena. The entire series schedule is included below.
This marks the first time the Capitals will face the Blue Jackets in the playoffs, although the teams have forged a steady rivalry since the Jackets moved to the Eastern Conference before the 2013-14 season.
In five seasons since the formation of the Metropolitan Division, the Capitals are 14-5-3 against Columbus, including a 9-1-1 record at home.
Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Thursday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.: Blue Jackets @ Capitals
Sunday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.: Blue Jackets @ Capitals
Tuesday, April 17, 7:30 p.m.: Capitals @ Blue Jackets
Thursday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.: Capitals @ Blue Jackets
*Saturday, April 21, TBD: Blue Jackets @ Capitals
*Monday, April 23, TBD: Capitals @ Blue Jackets
*Wednesday, April 25, TBD: Blue Jackets @ Capitals
The Capitals took three of four meetings over Columbus this past season, with the Blue Jackets earning a 5-1 win at Nationwide Arena in their most recent contest on Feb. 26.
Washington will enter the postseason fresh off winning a third consecutive Metropolitan Division title and securing a franchise-record fourth straight 100-point season.
The Blue Jackets are in the playoffs for the second consecutive year for the first time in franchise history, although Columbus is still seeking its first ever series win (the Jackets were eliminated in the first round in 2008, 2014 and 2017).
