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A guide to getting on the Capitals bandwagon

This year, the Capitals have made it to the finals for the first time in twenty years.

WASHINGTON -- With the Stanley Cup within grasp for the Capitals, it's the time to hop on the bandwagon and help support the team- and its fans.

In order to appreciate the high of being a Caps fan these days: first you have to understand the lows.

Phil Van Der Vossen has been a loyal fan since the eighties. He writes for the fan blog Capital Outsider. He has a shrine to the team in his basement.

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“They’ve been the favorite, and all the experts pick them for the Stanley Cup, you get your hopes up, and it’s just been crushing. We’ve found every possible way to lose," said Van Der Vossen.

But this year, the Capitals have made it to the finals for the first time in twenty years.

“This year we’ve found every possible way to win," he said. "We want to win it this year, we want to bring it home.”

Van Der Vossen said he welcomes all new fans and bandwagon hoppers.

As for advice, he suggests donning the bright Capitals red, as opposed to the Redskins burgundy.

“I would suggest if you don’t have any caps gear at all, that you wear red," said Van Der Vossen.

Secondly, he recommends getting to your watch parties early.

"Show up early, get your greetings and salutations done early, and say hi to everybody beforehand and then be prepared to enjoy the game," said Van Der Vossen.

Lastly, he suggests leaving the learning for next season.

"If you join a watch party, you don’t want to detract from others who’ve been waiting twenty years or longer for this experience," said Van Der Vossen.

Always the optimistic fan, Van Der Vossen predicts a sweep, or a game 6 win on home ice.

He said one thing is guaranteed: tears.

“I’m definitely going to cry when they win the cup. I’ve definitely cried many times before when they’ve lost, when they’ve gotten eliminated," he said.

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