Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
So since we dropped the puck on applying for media credentials for this big night at Capital One Arena, we had to drop in our favorite folks at Stubhub to get a chance to see all of the hype tonight. Glad we did, that $250 was burning a hole in our pockets anyway. Capital Grille, or hockey? Tough choice, but at the end of the night a 7-0 victory and a 2018 Stanley Cup Banner raising just doesn’t happen everyday right? Steaks and StoliDollie’s do!
If you were outside the Arena tonight, you will see that the emotion has definitely carried over from last season. Plenty of fans were on the streets even before the 4pm red carpet was opened and ready to rock the red. This elated group of fans could also been seen pouring into Capital One by 6pm not wanting to miss minute of the ceremony.
The first 15 minutes after 7pm tonight were some of the best fans have been treated to in a long time. The video montage put together was an amazing production and then when Alex Ovechkin skated on the ice and the banner was raised in front of the entire team, you knew this night was going to be memorable.
Evegney Kuznetsov had two goals and Nicklas Backstrom recorded three assists for Washington. Alex Ovechkin, T.J Oshie, John Carlson, Lars Eller and Nic Dowd also scored. The man, Braden Holtby added an assist for a 25 -save shut out night.
“This is a great night for our fans,” said Holtby. ” I saw quite a few of them lined up outside waiting to see us like we never stopped playing a few months ago. These are some of the best fans in the league and it was great to get this kind of start to the season.”
