How to Watch Devils vs. Capitals on DIRECTV: Puck Drop Time, NHL Network Channel and Streaming
The New Jersey Devils visit the Washington Capitals on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET on NHL Network, which is channel 215 on DIRECTV. NHL Network starts with the ULTIMATE package; CHOICE does not include it. Local feeds are also listed on Monumental Sports Network in Washington and MSG Sportsnet in New Jersey, with Canadian Sportsnet windows on NHL.com.
The Capitals are 4-3-0 after a 5-4 win over Montreal on October 14, and Alex Ovechkin was still looking for his first goal of his final NHL season after that game. The Devils were 3-3-0 through October 13 before hosting the Rangers on October 15. Here’s how to watch Devils-Capitals on DIRECTV, as of October 15, 2026.
Devils vs. Capitals: date, time and channel
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT) |
| Arena | Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| National TV | NHL Network |
| DIRECTV channel | 215 (NHL Network) |
| Starting package | ULTIMATE (CHOICE does not include NHL Network) |
| Local TV | Monumental Sports Network (WSH); MSG Sportsnet (NJD) |
| Canada | Sportsnet windows listed on NHL.com (SNP / SNO / SNE) |
| Streaming | DIRECTV app where NHL Network is in your package; team apps / ESPN+ where rights apply |
| Records | Capitals 4-3-0 (through Oct. 14); Devils 3-3-0 through Oct. 13 (before Oct. 15 vs. Rangers) |
What channel is Devils vs. Capitals on DIRECTV?
The national feed is on NHL Network, channel 215. NHL Network is included starting with ULTIMATE. It is not in CHOICE. If you are in a home market, NHL Network blackout rules can apply and you may need the local regional sports network instead.
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NHL Network | 215 | Starts with ULTIMATE; not on CHOICE |
| Monumental Sports Network | Varies by market | Capitals local; often needs CHOICE+ where available |
| MSG Sportsnet | Varies by market | Devils local; often needs CHOICE+ where available |
Our guides to what channel NHL Network is on DIRECTV and NHL on DIRECTV cover 215 and the package ladder. Compare tiers in our DIRECTV package channel comparison, or call 1-855-690-9884 and we’ll confirm NHL Network or your local RSN at your address.
How to stream Devils vs. Capitals
- DIRECTV app: if NHL Network is in your package, watch channel 215 live on a phone, tablet or streaming device with your DIRECTV login.
- Local apps: Capitals viewers may use Monumental’s apps where authenticated; Devils viewers may use MSG apps where supported.
- Out-of-market: ESPN+ / NHL rights packages can carry games when you are outside both local blackout zones. National NHL Network windows still follow package and blackout rules.
How the Capitals and Devils got here
Early-season notes as of October 15, 2026:
- Capitals (4-3-0): Washington beat Montreal 5-4 on October 14 behind two goals from Alex Tuch, per NHL.com. The Caps had been 3-1-0 through October 9 before losses to Seattle and at Carolina, then the rebound win over the Canadiens. Kevin Weekes noted on October 12 that Ovechkin was still looking for his first goal of his final season; the October 14 recap credited Ovechkin with an assist, not a goal.
- Devils (3-3-0 through Oct. 13): New Jersey’s completed results include an OT win at Detroit on October 13 (5-4). The Devils hosted the Rangers on October 15; that result was not final when this page was written, so the 3-3-0 line is through October 13 only.
Local help: DIRECTV channels for Virginia and New York.
Devils vs. Capitals storylines
- Matinee on NHL Network: a 1 p.m. ET national window is a daytime hockey look on channel 215 for ULTIMATE customers.
- Ovechkin’s final-season search: Washington’s captain was still without a goal through the October 14 win, while new additions Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou have already produced.
- Metropolitan neighbors: both clubs sit in the Metropolitan Division early, so every point against each other matters before the schedule thickens.
- Blackout reminder: home-market fans should confirm whether NHL Network or the local RSN carries the game at their address before puck drop.
Other NHL on DIRECTV this weekend
Saturday’s national slate also includes Islanders at Maple Leafs and Sabres at Canadiens on NHL Network later in the evening, per NHL.com’s nationally televised games list for the week of October 12. Our Flyers vs. Sabres on DIRECTV guide covers another early-season Metropolitan/Atlantic matchup on the national TV calendar.
Want NHL Network, your locals and the rest of the hockey lineup on one bill? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Devils vs. Capitals on DIRECTV?
The national feed is on NHL Network, DIRECTV channel 215. NHL Network starts with ULTIMATE and is not included in CHOICE. Capitals local is Monumental Sports Network; Devils local is MSG Sportsnet.
What time does Devils vs. Capitals start?
Puck drop is 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Does CHOICE include NHL Network?
No. NHL Network starts with ULTIMATE on DIRECTV. CHOICE does not include channel 215.
Can I stream Devils vs. Capitals?
If NHL Network is in your DIRECTV package, you can watch in the DIRECTV app. Local RSN apps and out-of-market packages may also apply depending on your address and blackouts.
What are the Capitals’ and Devils’ records?
As of October 15, 2026, the Capitals are 4-3-0 after beating Montreal on October 14. The Devils were 3-3-0 through October 13 before their October 15 game against the Rangers.
Will NHL Network black out the game in home markets?
Home-market blackouts can apply on NHL Network. Fans in the Capitals or Devils territories should confirm Monumental Sports Network or MSG Sportsnet availability, often with CHOICE+ where offered.
Need help confirming NHL Network (215) or your local RSN before puck drop? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 15, 2026 from NHL.com nationally televised games for the week of October 12, 2026 (Kevin Weekes), the NHL.com Capitals-Canadiens game recap (October 14/15, 2026), the NHL club schedule API for New Jersey and Washington, and live AmericanTV.com channel guides. Capitals record is through October 14; Devils record is through October 13 pending the October 15 Rangers result. Channel lineups, package contents, blackouts, offers and prices vary by address and may change. New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, NHL, NHL Network, Monumental Sports Network, MSG Sportsnet, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.