NO JINXES: DC officials publicly mum on possible Stanley Cup parade
WASHINGTON - As the Washington Capitals take a 3-1 lead into Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday, DC officials will not publicly discuss possible parade details if the team wins for fear of jinxing the city.
While officials will not openly talk about what will happen if the Caps were to win the Stanley Cup, high-ranking government officials tell FOX 5's Matt Ackland that steps are taking place behind-the-scenes to plan a parade, including where it would take place, the route and when it would happen.
According to sources, Mayor Muriel Bowser's deputy chief of staff Lindsey Parker is leading the planning efforts.
MORE: DC preparing for possible Capitals Stanley Cup celebration Thursday night
While nothing is officially set in stone, sources tell FOX 5 officials are considering using wider streets along a possible route, including Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street, to allow more fans to gather.
Sources also tell FOX 5 that Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue has been mentioned as a possible endpoint to the parade where a stage could be erected to allow fans to gather there.
Whether the Caps clinch Thursday evening or not, sources tell FOX 5 the potential parade would not be held this weekend and would most likely happen on a weekday.
MORE: Metro makes promise of commemorative SmarTrip card if Caps bring home Stanley Cup
Sources tell FOX 5 they would expect a parade to come two to four days after a victory at home or four to six days following a victory in Las Vegas.
One thing is certain, the streets of DC will be packed with fans Thursday evening as they cheer on the Capitals. Free tickets to a watch party at Capital One Arena on Thursday were gobbled up in under 10 minutes on Wednesday.