Thousands of fans celebrate Washington's NHL victory in the streets

WASHINGTON, June 7 (Reuters) - Fans poured onto the streets on Thursday night after the Washington Capitals won the National Hockey League's coveted Stanley Cup with a 4-3 defeat of Las Vegas's Golden Knights in Game 5.

"Now I can die in peace," read a sign held up by fans celebrating on the streets of the U.S. capital.

"I said I was born the day before the caps 1,000th game," said Washington resident Chris Ostergard, 31, who held the sign. "I literally came here and was born for this.”

Thousands of fans crowded around the arena amid a heavy police presence. Fans cheered “we want the cup” and “let’s go Caps” as the final seconds ticked down. Police had earlier brought in heavy trucks and closed off numerous blocks around the arena as fans watched the game broadcast from Las Vegas.

Matt Petruites, 22, who has just graduated from college, and his 69-year-old father Bob Petruites have been fans for years.

“It’s been a long time coming” Matt Petruites said, hoping that the victory might inspire other Washington teams. (Reporting by David Shepardson and Michelle Price in Washington, D.C. Writing by Rich McKay in Atlanta Editing by Paul Tait)