WASHINGTON, D.C. – Alex Ovechkin is on the precipice of greatness as the Washington Capitals host the Chicago Blackhawks today – Friday, April 4 – at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The matchup is available on multiple streaming services for free. Today’s matchup will broadcast live on NHL Network with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. Eastern. Fans who have parted ways with their local cable provider can catch the action by utilizing streaming alternatives like FuboTV ($25 off first month) and DirecTV Stream, which both offer a free trial. Sling TV is also offering promotional discounts for new customers. You will need the sports add-on package to access the NHL Network on SlingTV. This game will also stream live on ESPN Plus. You can get a subscription to ESPN Plus for $11.99 per month. Another option is to sign up for an annual subscription for $119.99. Catch a flurry of NHL games and be set for the rest of the season. How do I watch the Capitals game for free? You can watch Capitals-Blackhawks for free by utilizing free trials from FuboTV and DirecTV Stream. Despite owning the best record in the East, the Capitals (48-18-9) have lost four of their last five games, including a 5-1 hammering courtesy of the Carolina Hurricanes on April 2. As Ovechkin has grown closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal scoring record, Washington has found itself in a rut. Ovechkin nabbed the lone goal of the last matchup, marking career goal No. 892. He is only three goals away from breaking the all-time record. Ovechkin is third in the NHL this season in goals scored with 39. He has tallied at least one goal in each of his last three games. If tonight is the night, the legendary Russian has 32 career hat tricks, including two this season. He has tabbed 15 career goals in 25 games against the Blackhawks. Capital goalie Charlie Lindgren has won six of his last 10 games while allowing more than one goal once. Washington has won 10 of the last 11 games against the Blackhawks at Capital One Arena. It touts a 24-8-6 record on home ice this season. Already eliminated from playoff contention, the Blackhawks (21-44-10) are on a four-game losing streak and have lost 11 of its last 12 games, including a 3-2 shootout against the Colorado Avalanche on April 2. Chicago took a 2-0 lead into the final period before Colorado stormed back with the game-tying goal with 11 seconds left. Eight of the Blackhawks’ last nine losses have been by two goals or more. They hold a minus-67 goal differential for the season. Ryan Donato leads the team with 29 goals this season. He has lit the lamp six times with two assists in his last five games. If he reaches 30 goals, he would become the 11th Blackhawk to ever compile a 30-goal, 30-assist season. Since being acquired by the Florida Panthers, goalie Spencer Knight is 3-7, including 1-7 in his last eight games. Knight has allowed four or more goals in four of his last six games. The Blackhawks beat the Capitals, 3-2, on Dec. 17. Chicago tallied three third period goals to complete the comeback. How many goals is Alex Ovechkin away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record? Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (892) is three goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s NHL all-time goals record (894). Ovechkin is in his 20th year in the league, which is the same amount of year’s Gretzky played. What are the latest odds for Capitals vs. Blackhawks? Moneyline: WAS: (-410), CHI: (+320) Puck spread: WAS: -1.5, PIT: +1.5 Over/Under: 6.5 Here’s more information on how to watch Capitals-Blackhawks on TV and streaming services. What: NHL: Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks When: Friday, April 4, 2025 Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Where: Capital One Arena | Washington, D.C. Channel: NHL Network Best streaming options: FuboTV (free trial and $25 off first month), DirecTV Stream (free trial), Sling TV (promotional offers for new customers) and ESPN Plus Cable Channel Finder: AT&T U-Verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, Cox, DirecTv, Dish, Verizon Fios