Photo: Capitals

A special guest was on the ice Wednesday morning at Capitals’ practice. Washington Nationals’ first baseman and World Series champion Ryan Zimmerman suited up and played goaltender.

The Capitals tweeted out a video of goalie equipment in the locker room. Given there was a baseball emoji included, there seemed to be suspicions of a player from the Nationals coming in, which turned out to be Zimmerman.

ZIM IS HERE! https://t.co/Me6YBobwBL pic.twitter.com/kfs84FvLd2

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15, 2020

A little bit of a bigger glove for Zim today 😬 pic.twitter.com/EBg3TDlhgS

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15,

Prior to joining some Capitals players on the ice, Zimmerman said he was “terrified to death” and had no idea what to expect.

Ryan Zimmerman. World Series Champion. Future…goalie? pic.twitter.com/lzDsidVcLY

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15, 2020

Zimmerman began his goaltending experience with some one-timers from none other than captain Alex Ovechkin.

One-timers with Zim and Ovi! pic.twitter.com/MtFJVqSjsF

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15, 2020

Ryan Zimmerman is playing goal for the #Caps today. Why? I don’t know. But he’s got a decent glove hand. 😂 pic.twitter.com/H3DOaKmitF

— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) January 15, 2020

It only got better from there. The Nationals baseman practiced a shootout.

Shootout practice on Zim! pic.twitter.com/26H1HPjtQ6

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15, 2020

Pretty sure Ryan Zimmerman stopped @lellerofficial on the breakaway.

But @TJOshie77 embarrassed Zim and @backstrom19 nearly ended his career! 🤪🤪 #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/FbXL9BzFI2

— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinNBCS) January 15, 2020

Zimmerman called the experience “great” and “terrifying”. “I’ll never do it again,” he added.

Zim’s final thoughts on his goalie experience today pic.twitter.com/ZMlPCdfLOV

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 15,

“I was terrified!”

Ryan Zimmerman explains what it was like facing the #Caps slap shots. And how he wants them to stand in the box vs Max or Stras. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/T5xhxPvdDt

— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinNBCS) January 15,

He was also excited about Backstrom’s five-year, $64 million contract that was officially announced on Tuesday morning. “He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet,” Zimmerman said.

“He’s a Hall of Famer!”

Ryan Zimmerman has been good friends with Nicklas Backstrom for years. He’s excited the #Caps got a new deal worked out for a good person & great player. #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/iRMvRa6qyd

— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinNBCS) January 15, 2020

Capitals’ head coach Todd Reirden spoke to the media following practice and complimented Zimmerman’s skills.

Todd Reirden breaks down what he saw from his new goaltender Ryan Zimmerman #Capitals #ALLCAPS @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/gpmeIvsxWB

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) January 15, 2020

The Capitals and Nationals have been close supporters for years, especially through others’ post-season runs. Back in November, the Capitals honored the Nationals at Capital One Arena for their World Series victory over the Houston Astros, which lead into a crazy locker room celebration.

View this post on Instagram

Ryan Zimmerman is in the best hockey shape of his life

A post shared by Washington Capitals (@capitals) on Jan 15, 2020 at 10:32am PST

Zimmerman and pitcher Max Scherzer led fans in the “Let’s Go Caps” chant during the Stanley Cup Final in 2018. During the Capitals’ championship escapades, they stopped at Nationals Park where Ovechkin threw out the first pitch(es).

By Della Young