Hundreds Pack First Capitals Practice Since Game 6 (Photos)

ARLINGTON, VA -- A Washington Capitals practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Ballston during mid-morning on a weekday wouldn't normally draw a big crowd. But Thursday's practice was no ordinary practice.

This was the first practice since the Capitals' dramatic overtime win in Game 6 against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, as Evgeny Kuznetsov clinched the series for the Caps -- the first time the team had gotten past the second round in two decades.

After getting a much-deserved day off on Wednesday, the Caps were back on the ice to prepare for their Eastern Conference Finals matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning, which begins Friday. And the fans showed up in droves to watch the hometown favorites practice.

At one point, during a break in the practice when all the players headed for center ice to receive some instructions from the coach, a huge cheer erupted from the crowd that had mostly watched in silence.

The players themselves seemed to be relieved to have the second-round curse removed from their franchise, with plenty of joking and smiles among teammates. Even Alex Ovechkin, who usually walks past fans in the Kettler parking lot with his head down and his hoodie up, smiled hoodie-less at the fans gathered outside and took his time getting in his vehicle.

"He's walking with a swagger," said one security guard as Ovechkin departed in his car with dozens of fans gathered outside the rink hoping for autographs.

Nicklas Backstrom, who left Game 5 with an injury and didn't play in Game 6, did not practice with the team. However, Coach Barry Trotz told reporters that he was day-to-day with a hand injury and would travel with the team to Tampa (although he would not say if he would play).

In other good news, Andre Burakovsky appeared to be a full participant in the practice, and Trotz upgraded his condition from week-to-week to day-to-day. He will also travel with the team.

If you'd like to watch Friday's Caps game with fellow fans despite it being a road game, there will be a big gathering in Rosslyn for the 8 p.m. start (weather permitting).

The viewing will be held at Gateway Park at 1300 Lee Highway at the base of the Key Bridge. The event starts at 7 p.m. -- an hour before puck drop -- and will "feature appearances by Capitals personalities including mascot Slapshot and Red Rockers," according to a statement. You are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

Images: Patch staff