If you have ever been to a Caps home game against the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers or the Pittsburgh Penguins where the Caps have lost, then the scene I am about to describe is all too familiar.

A good chunk of the upper deck, and even pockets in the lower deck are filled with fans who are not rocking the red. The Caps are down, and the final horn sounds. The Caps have lost and the opposing fans celebrate. However, they are not celebrating in the stands. It seems as if all these fans teleport to the National Portrait Gallery steps. They act like they own the place, regardless of how close the game was.

Example:

However, during game 5 of the second round series I put out a request, a request to reclaim the steps.

Hey Caps fans, with like 30 seconds left, assuming the Caps are still winning, go to the portrait gallery and chant "this is our house" — Brandon Alter (@brandon__alter) May 7, 2017

My call was answered. After the win, Caps fans stormed the steps, but more importantly did not leave a mess like opposing teams’ fans usually do. Don’t forget that these steps are federal property.

The steps have been defended pic.twitter.com/N0vRVvfE0L — Capitals Outsider (@CapsOutsider) May 7, 2017

With the Rangers coming to town, there is no better time to announce this initiative. Be prepared for the “C-U-P-S Cups Cups Cups” response and other responses to the Caps “choking.” Enjoy the night, and remind the fans what they are, they are guests and have no reason to take what is ours.