Caps fans send the team off to Vegas

The Caps were given a good send off. (WTOP/John Domen)

More free stuff for the fans thanks to Caps owner @TedLeonsis . Over a thousand people out here to cheer the Caps to Vegas. More @WTOP pic.twitter.com/d1GdMM8Cvf
— John Domen (@JDDsays) May 26, 2018

Free items were handed out to the crowds by Caps owner Ted Leonsis (Twitter/John Domen) (WTOP/John Domen)

This is gonna be a quick workout before they head to Vegas. The players are getting a kick outta the fan support here. @WTOP pic.twitter.com/u2nFHn8abF
— John Domen (@JDDsays) May 26, 2018

There was a quick workout before the team left for Las Vegas. (Twitter/John Domen) (WTOP/John Domen)

Easily over a thousand fans here for this. Some already waiting outside for the send off. Some will go home with things tossed out by @TedLeonsis now. Hear this raucous send off @WTOP pic.twitter.com/YZSaoIl6Iv
— John Domen (@JDDsays) May 26, 2018

Over a thousand fans were there for the send off. (Twitter/John Domen) (WTOP/John Domen)

Goalies are getting warmed up here first. No seats left for fans. Standing crowd is several rows deep. More today @WTOP pic.twitter.com/w7Zeyncttd
— John Domen (@JDDsays) May 26, 2018

The standing crowd was several rows deep. (Twitter/John Domen) (WTOP/John Domen)

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WASHINGTON — More than 6,000 fans showed up to Kettler Iceplex for one last practice before the Washington Capitals headed off to Las Vegas to take on the Golden Knights. Every seat in the house was taken, and fans stood four and five rows deep along the boards — some with their kids on top of their shoulders — to watch what was a relatively light practice before the team departed for the airport.

As players first emerged from the locker room to take to the ice, they made it a point to acknowledge the fans, with defense man Dmitry Orlov shaking his fists in the air to get everyone pumped up. Afterward, the players left the dressing room down a walkway lined by fans and balloons as they headed out west.

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis, who spent most of the time tossing rally towels and other items to fans, said he wasn’t the least bit surprised by the turnout.

“These fans love the players and all this pent up emotion and love, it’s great to see,” said Leonsis.

Anthony Colley of Glen Burnie, Maryland, had a prime spot as the players emerged, “so my son could see the future Stanley Cup champions,” he said. “I think they can do it, this is their year.”

Standing next to him was Vickie Wu, with her husband and son. They were also standing outside and cheering “to help support our Stanley Cup Champions, the Caps,” she said. “I believe they will do it.”

Game one will be Monday night in Las Vegas.

WTOP’s Brennan Haselton is in Las Vegas covering the Caps and the Stanley Cup. Full coverage on WTOP.com.