Capitals Unveil Plaque At Washington Harbour, Backstrom & Oshie Share Story Behind Epic Stanley Cup Celebration

WASHINGTON — On a summer day in 2018, Washington Harbour senior property manager Kim Keheler got a call from security that a group of men had started swimming in the fountain.

She'd ordered security to remove them from the fountain, but then, was taken aback when they responded with the culprits.

"It's the Washington Capitals," security said.

"Well, let them swim," she decided.

What ensued was a celebration for the ages, as T.J. Oshie, Alex Ovechkin and more members of the Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup championship team took the trophy into the fountain and jumped around in the water.

Almost seven years later, the legacy of that win lives on, and so does that epic celebration, as the Washington Harbour unveiled a plaque commemorating that team and the festivities that ensued at the fountain.

"In Vegas, they became champions. Here, they became legends," the plaque reads.

Oshie, along with Nicklas Backstrom, took part in the unveiling ceremony on Friday, taking the time to meet with fans and relieve that epic celebration, while also sharing the story behind it.

"This is a spot that we're well aware of," Backstrom grinned.

The mastermind behind swimming in the fountain, though, was Oshie.

"We were waiting to get some beverages over there, and I don't know how hot it was, but it felt like it was scorching outside," Oshie recalled. "Obviously with all the fans around and all the guys kind of in a tight area, it was getting a little warm. I had just a little idea to jump in the fountain, and tried to grab all the guys I could."

Oshie had thought that the fountain would be a couple of feet deep but was surprised to find it was only a couple of inches deep. Still, he and his teammates made the most of the moment.

"It was a fun moment... it's a special fountain, for sure."

The plaque is a permanent installation and will remain on the fountain forever.