The Washington Capitals opened up an NHL regular season as the reigning Stanley Cup champion for the first time in franchise history on Wednesday night and they made sure to go all out for the 2018-19 opening ceremony.
Like most of the summer, the Stanley Cup was accompanied by Alex Ovechkin as the Capitals captain took to the ice with Lord Stanley in his hands during his pre-game introduction and the crowd went wild.
With the whole gang now on the ice, the banner raising got underway and it was a pretty emotional moment for the players and Caps fans in attendance and watching on TV.
After a quick photo in front of the franchise’s very first Stanley Cup banner, the newest addition to the Capital One Arena was lifted to the rafters into its new home.
Following the banner raising ceremony was all said and done, Ovi said his final goodbye to the Stanley Cup and finally returned it.
The Capitals took the energy from the opening ceremony and carried it over into the game as they scored two goals within the first two minute of the game with the first tally coming just 24 seconds into action.
(H/T Washington Capitals)
