What happened: Washington Capitals visit Carolina Hurricanes with puck drop scheduled for 6:45 ET. Pittsburgh Penguins meet Chicago Blackhawks in the later window scheduled for 8 ET.

Why it matters: The pair forms a two-game national window on ESPN platforms. The staggered starts keep the late game separate from the early puck drop.

What to watch: The schedule lists the early game first, with the late game to follow.