Hockey is back as the defending Stanley Cup champion Capitals prepare to open the regular season Wednesday against the Bruins.

The Capitals have a lot to celebrate, but wanted to acknowledge their competitors first.

The Stanley Cup champions took out a full page in the Las Vegas Review-Journal to congratulate the Golden Knights on a competitive run in the championship series and a historic first season in the league.

The Washington Capitals are having their Stanley Cup parade today but they also took out a full page ad in the Las Vegas Review-Journal to congratulate the Vegas Golden Knights "on the most successful inaugural season in the history of professional sports." pic.twitter.com/zi2lHIOpcU — Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) June 12, 2018

"Congratulations to the Vegas Golden Knights on the most successful inaugural season in the history of professional sports," the ad read. "World class ownership, front office, coaching staff and people. A magnificent team of talented, hard-working players and stars. A fantastic venue filled with passionate, loud and proud fans.

"It was an honor to compete against you in the Stanley Cup Final. We are truly VEGAS STRONG."

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The Capitals and their fans will celebrate the franchise's first Stanley Cup championship Tuesday with a parade down Constitution Avenue ending in a rally on the National Mall.

The festivities will begin at 11 a.m. ET and are expected to draw more than 100,000 attendees.