The Montreal Canadiens finally clawed their way into the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and will face the top dogs of the East, the Capitals, in the opening round.
There’s a wide gulf between these two on paper. Washington wrapped up the season with 111 points, earning the crown as the Eastern Conference’s best. Montreal, on the other hand, slipped through the postseason door like a late guest at a party, squeaking in as the second Wild Card with 91 points.
The last time these two crossed paths in playoff territory? That unforgettable 2010 first-round clash when the eighth-seeded Habs pulled off a stunner, knocking off the No. 1 seed Capitals in seven games.
That series still echoes in highlight reels, thanks to Jaroslav Halak standing on his head and turning away just about everything Washington threw his way. Outside of a still-potent Alex Ovechkin, this is a whole new cast.
Here’s what you need to know to listen to Capitals playoff games in 2025.
Capitals radio station
Local fans can listen to Capitals playoff games on flagship station WJFK 106.7 FM.
All Capitals game broadcasts are also available nationwide on SiriusXM.
New subscribers can enjoy SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Capitals radio announcers
John Walton is back behind the mic for his 13th season as the voice of the Washington Capitals, bringing energy, insight, and his signature sound to every play.
But his job isn’t just calling the action — he’s also pulling the strings behind the scenes as the team’s Senior Director of Broadcasting, where he oversees the Washington Capitals Radio Network and the around-the-clock audio home, Caps Radio 24/7.
Walton’s voice isn’t just a staple in D.C. — it’s been heard coast to coast and across the globe. Since 2012, he’s suited up for NBC Sports, calling everything from college hockey to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and even Olympic matchups.
Joining him once again is Ken Sabourin, who’s heading into his 21st season in the broadcast booth, offering sharp, seasoned analysis during Capitals home games. Sabourin knows the blue line like the back of his hand — after all, he patrolled it himself in the NHL for five years, including a couple of seasons wearing the red sweater for Washington in the early ’90s.
Capitals playoff schedule 2025
First round (vs. Canadiens)
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon, Apr. 21 | Game 1 at Capitals | 7 p.m. |
| Wed, Apr. 23 | Game 2 at Capitals | 7 p.m. |
| Fri, Apr. 25 | Game 3 at Canadiens | 7 p.m. |
| Sun, Apr. 27 | Game 4 at Canadiens | 6:30 p.m. |
| Wed, Apr. 30 | Game 5* at Capitals | TBA |
| Fri, May 2 | Game 6* at Canadiens | TBA |
| Sun, May 4 | Game 7* at Capitals | TBA |
* If necessary
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2025
Here are the key dates to know for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 19 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 5 or 6 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | June 1-7 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 23 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 27-28 |
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