It was strange, if you really analyze it: The biggest fan favorite inside Capital One Arena might have been wearing a visitor’s jersey.
Fans have shown, with their No. 83 jerseys, that Jay Beagle is one of the most beloved modern-day Washington Capitals, current or former. The friendly-faced fourth-liner was back in town for the first time Tuesday since signing elsewhere in free agency.
Washington honored Beagle with an in-game video tribute, then contained his new squad in a 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks.
The Capitals (29-18-6, 64 points) have won two of three games since the All-Star Break — ever since they ended a seven-game losing skid — and they’ve climbed to second place in the division.