Washington Capitals return home after Stanley Cup win

The Stanley Cup is officially in Washington, and so is the team that won it. The Washington Capitals have landed at Washington Dulles International Airport late Friday afternoon, and they have brought the Cup with them.

Conn Smythe Trophy winner Alex Ovechkin and teammate Nicklas Backstrom both carried the 34-pound championship trophy off the plane and into the bus transporting the team from the airport.

The team received a water cannon salute from the fire department after the plane landed and was taxiing on the runway.

After returning home, some of the players went to Arlington Friday night for a private gathering to continue their celebration, with the Stanley Cup in tow.

Less than 24 hours earlier, the Caps were celebrating their first NHL title in franchise history after beating the Las Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 in Game 5 on the road-- something fans have waited 43 seasons for. Though they weren't on home ice, the Caps had plenty of support on-- with thousands of people packing the streets of downtown D.C. and a capacity crowd gathered inside Capital One Arena to watch the game together. And when it was over, they went nuts.

The celebration will continue Tuesday, when a Stanley Cup Championship parade is planned for 11 a.m. along Constitution Avenue, ending with an #ALLCAPS rally on the National Mall. 

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