Leave it to the NHL to botch a fun and simple idea that would have pleased its collective fanbase.After the Capitals finally conquered the Penguins, Josh Tomlin Jersey their arch nemesis and frequent playoff foil, on the way to winning the 2018 Stanley Cup, it made complete sense to bring Sidney Crosby and Co. to D.C. to open the 2018-19 season and watch as the franchise raises its first championship banner to the Capital One Arena rafters. Only fair, since the NHL cruellymade the Caps look on duringthe 2016-17 ceremony inPittsburgh.NHL DRAFT 2018: That’s not happening. Instead, the Capitalshost the Bruins on Oct. 4 to begin the defense of their title. What’s more, they’ Brian McCann Jersey ll hit the road immediately after the game and head to Pittsburgh forthePenguins’ season opener Oct. 5. Congrats on that Cup win.Here’s two games in two nights. Sigh.Below is a complete list of dates for every team’s first game on the 2018-19 schedule.NHL 2018-19 season openersAnaheim Ducks:Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. SharksArizona Coyotes: Thursday, Oct. 4 at StarsBoston Bruins: Wednesday, Oct. 3 at CapitalsBuffalo Sabres:Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. BruinsCalgary Flames: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. CanucksCarolina Hurricanes:Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. IslandersChicago Blackhawks: Thursday, Oct. 4 at SenatorsColorado Avalanche:Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. WildColumbus Blue Jackets: Thursday, Oct. Ozzie Albies Jersey 4 at Red WingsDallas Stars: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. CoyotesDetroit Red Wings: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Blue JacketsEdmonton Oilers: Saturday, Oct. 6 vs. Devils (in Sweden)Florida Panthers: Saturday, Oct. 6 at LightningLos Angeles Kings: Friday, Oct. 5 vs. SharksMinnesota Wild: Thursday, Oct. 4 Hank Aaron Jersey at ColoradoMontreal Canadiens: Wednesday, Oct. 3 at Maple LeafsNashville Predators:Thursday, Oct. 4 at RangersNew Jersey Devils: SaturdayOct. 6 vs. Oilers (in Sweden)New York Islanders: Thursday, Oct. 4 at HurricanesNew York Rangers: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. PredatorsOttawa Senators: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. BlackhawksPhiladelphia Flyers: Thursday, Oct. 4 at Golden KnightsPittsburgh Penguins: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. CapitalsSt. Louis Blues: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. Brandon McCarthy Jersey JetsSan Jose Sharks: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. DucksTampa Bay Lighting: Saturday, Oct. 6 vs. PanthersToronto Maple Leafs: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. CanadiensVancouver Canucks: Wednesday, Oct. 3 at FlamesVegas Golden Knights: Thursday, Oct. 4 vs. FlyersWashington Capitals: Wednesday, Oct. 3 vs. BruinsWinnipeg Jets: Thursday, Oct. 4 at Blues