As Game 1 slipped away, the Washington Capitals felt center Jay Beagle’s absence in Thursday’s 4-3 overtime loss.
The Columbus Blue Jackets won 10 of the 11 defensive zone faceoffs in the third period, resulting in two goals. Those draws usually go to Beagle, who finished with the fourth-best face-off percentage this season. The fourth-line center has missed the last four games, dating back to the regular season, with an upper-body injury.
But the Capitals got good news Saturday, with Beagle returning to practice. Beagle said he’s “hopeful” to play in Game 2 on Sunday.