Capitals’ road about to get much more difficult

The Washington Capitals are preparing for a difficult stretch away from home after finishing a favorable run where 11 of 13 games were played at Capital One Arena. Despite the schedule advantage, Washington compiled a modest 6-4-0 home record and currently sits four points out of an Eastern Conference playoff spot. Ted Starkey argues that Washington must drastically improve on the road to maintain postseason hopes.

Washington faces a grueling schedule ahead, playing 11 of their next 16 games on the road, including a six-game road trip out west. The upcoming stretch also features the beginning of Alex Ovechkin's farewell tour across multiple NHL cities, which Starkey notes will bring added emotional weight and intense media attention to an already demanding road slate.