When the Washington Capitals needed a fast start, they got it from their hottest goal scorer: Jay Beagle.

Beagle's second goal in three games has the Caps up 1-0 on the Florida Panthers after 20 minutes a pivotal game with major playoff implications.

Beagle's fourth goal of the season came at 5:42 when he collected a Troy Brouwer rebound and beat former Cap Jose Theodore, making his first appearance at Verizon Center in nearly two years, to give Washington a 1-0 lead.

The Panthers dominated puck possession for most of the period after that, but could not score despite 10 shots. Michal Neuvirth had made eight saves to keep the Caps in the lead.