Scherzer and Martinez on Caps winning it all (Stanley Cup coming to Nats Park)

The two biggest Nationals fans of the Capitals' Stanley Cup run over these last few weeks have undoubtedly been starting pitcher Max Scherzer and manager Davey Martinez.

Scherzer, who led the "Let's Go Caps!" cheer alongside teammate Ryan Zimmerman prior to Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals on Monday in D.C., said he was so thrilled to see them finally push through and win the title.

"It's unbelievable," Scherzer said. "Just to see the city, the fans and the team themselves. What they've overcome the past few years, what they pushed through (in) the playoffs. For that to capitalize on the Cup and win the whole damn thing, wow!

"When you see people climbing up in the street lights. That gets me going. I like to party. So when you see the fans partying, that gets me going."

Martinez said he watched the 4-3 series-clinching victory in Game 5 on Thursday night on television at his home.

"Look around, it was crazy, crazy," Martinez said of the crowds that gathered outside and around Capital One Arena to watch the game and then celebrate the city's first Stanley Cup. "What fun for everybody. And the way they went out and played and the style they played, it was amazing. I didn't want to do anything. I just sat (at) my TV last night and I just wanted to be by myself and watch the game. And that's exactly what I did. And it was amazing. Well done. Boys deserve it."

Scherzer said the effect this Capitals championship can have on a city is immeasurable. He loved watching the sports fans in D.C. get a chance to celebrate the win in a joyous nonstop post game party that lasted well into the night.

"Yeah, and it's amazing to watch them do that," Scherzer said. "And kind of almost watch them do it first. Just to see the energy that is here in the city, the sports fans. This is a sports town. When you see the number of people that are passionate about the Capitals and what they've been able to accomplish, it's so much fun to be a part of it and see that because they are also baseball fans, too - they are football fans and they are basketball fans. To see one of our teams in this city go out there and win a championship, it's awesome."

Scherzer studied how meticulous the Capitals were in their preparation and how they executed the game plan just as he likes to do on the baseball mound.

"It's been such a fun ride to be able to watch a team go out there and play as hard as they have," Scherzer said. "I think that's the one thing I've taken away from watching them - just all the little things that they do to be able to get that puck into that net. I mean, every little inch matters. You saw that throughout whole playoffs, that's how they played. Just wants to make you to go out there and do something like that on the baseball field."

Martinez had developed a relationship with Caps coach Barry Trotz, rooting him and his team on, after Trotz welcomed him to the city last offseason. Martinez said he now looks forward to meeting Trotz in person after texting with him the last few months: "Excited about it. It will be fun. Maybe grab a beer."

Martinez also respected the coaching job Trotz was able to pull off to guide the Capitals to the finals victory.

"He did a great job, he really did," Martinez said. "Just watching his style, what I really like about him is that he's got a lot of patience. But he is intense. It's fun to watch."

There are parallels, as well, between the intensity of Scherzer and that of Conn Smythe Trophy winner Alexander Ovechkin, who has always been considered one of the best scorers in the National Hockey League. To finally see Ovechkin hoist the Stanley Cup was a special moment for Scherzer.

"When you watch him go out there and compete on the ice, it's amazing," Scherzer said. "Everything he does is at an unbelievable intensity. For me, when I have gotten to watch him play, just the passion for the game, it's awesome to watch."

Martinez said the Capitals will be his guest Saturday at Nats Park and was asked if there might be any baseball players among the club's hockey players?

"We'll find that out. I'm going to invite them all to come take batting practice," Martinez smiled. "That's for sure. So we'll see what kind of swings they got."

Scherzer said he cannot wait to see the Stanley Cup in person. It made him think of his sport and the ultimate prize.

"I have not. That's a first," Scherzer said of seeing the Stanley Cup. "That might be the coolest trophy in all of sports. The tradition they got with that. I'd also like to raise up a World Series ring."

Hey @Nationals fans, is it cool if we bring the @StanleyCup to the ballpark tomorrow?

Looking forward to celebrating with you all before first pitch! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/cQFoW2Xx0h

-- Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 8, 2018