As fast as the Canes started the first period, that's about how fast the Caps started the second. They were very aggressive, taking the periods first 10 shots before the Canes had their first. Unfortunately for the Caps, they were unable to cash in early.
And conversely for the Canes, they were able to cash in on limited chances early in the second period. Jussi Jokinen scored his first goal in December when the Canes caught the Caps napping on defense. The confused Caps defense was a step late in getting back on defense, giving the Canes an easy 2 on 1 situation. From there, Jokenin cashed in on a snap shot, tying the game at 1-1.
But it was a score that stood briefly, as the Caps struck back three minutes later. The Canes committed a turnover in the neutral zone and Alex Ovechkin found David Steckel, who scored on a wrister to put the Caps up again 2-1.
Ovechkin was not done there. Towards the end of the period, Mike Green looks to score on a set play, but had the puck deflected directly to Ovi's side. The wide open Ovechkin scored on the snap shot, giving him his 13th of the season, ending his scoring drought, and more importantly, giving the Caps a 3-1 lead at the end of two periods.