Every Capitals fan wants to experience the thrill of the Stanley Cup Finals however not every fan can due to the expensive ticket prices on the secondary market. Thankfully, there has been a few solutions to this problem that the Washington Capitals and the National Hockey League provided.
For road games, the Capitals held free watch parties at Capital One Arena. They did so for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Lightning and again for the first two games of the Stanley Cup Finals. They’ll once again have one for Game 5 this Thursday.
For home games, fans that couldn’t get a ticket could still experience the Stanley Cup atmosphere with an outdoor watch party on big TVs outside the arena. Fans packed F and G streets and it was a great atmosphere for fans young and old.
“It’s awesome to be a part of the action. I couldn’t afford a ticket so this is the next best thing,” said Adam Emshwiller, 30, from Ashburn.
“This was definitely a good idea for the town, for the community, and everybody who has bought in to the Caps. This is our chance to be a part of the action.”
Fifth grader Constantine Olah, 11, from Sterling attended the watch party with his parents.
“It’s just really cool being here. I still can’t believe they beat the Penguins. I hope they win the Stanley Cup,” said Olah.
“We get to see the game (out here). We get to hear the horn sound from outside. It’s lots of fun.”
Jimmy Campos, 27, of Sterling added, “Personally, I’d rather be outside the arena than inside. This is awesome! Brings everybody together.”
Joe Gibbs, legendary coach of the Washington Redskins, was the last coach to lead a D.C. team to a championship 26 years ago. He led the “Let’s Go Caps” chants.
When intros began, fans booed the Golden Knights players. There was tepid applause for Nate Schmidt but that was about it. Then when the Capitals were introduced they went wild as Pat Sajak read the names Wheel of Fortune style.
Alex Ovechkin struck first to the delight of the crowd and Evgeny Kuznetsov scored and unleashed the bird celly later on in the second period.
Devante Smith-Pelly added a tally in the third and “DSP” chants broke out.
“We want the Cup!”
When all was said and done, the Capitals prevailed 3-1.
Yet that was still the beginning of the party.
#Caps nation stand up! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/5Rdh72Tz2k
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) June 3, 2018
Minor league sports town my ass pic.twitter.com/WyyNn4HLFj
— NoVa Caps (@NoVa_Caps) June 3, 2018
Like what you read and saw? Want to experience it for Game 4? You should!
By Michael Marzzacco
Follow @marswaggo
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