The Washington Capitals extended their longest winning streak of the season Thursday night with a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, and nobody is happier about the turnaround than Adam Oates’ squad.

“After that Florida game at home it gave us a lot of confidence and this game has a lot to do with confidence,” Jay Beagle told 106.7 The Fan’s Lavar and Dukes Friday. “Once you get rolling you can get kind of get a streak and start putting some wins together.”

That’s exactly what the team is doing — reversing a tide set against them when they began the season 2-8-1. Now, they’re proving Oates’ system could just fit them after all.

“Anytime you get a new system, it’s tough,” Beagle said. “We had to learn it quick. Even from the first game to the second game was a huge difference in the system. It becomes a natural instinct. Now obviously, it is that natural instinct and you don’t have to think about it. You go out and play the system and everybody’s on the same page.”

When asked if the Capitals are a playoff team, Beagle’s response was short and to the point: “Yes, for sure.”

Sounds like their confidence has been restored. The Caps will try to pull within two games of .500 Sunday when they travel to New York to take on the Rangers.