It looks like Jeff Halpern doesn't want to be scratched again anytime soon.
Halpern, scratched Tuesday, scored early in the second period and Troy Brouwer added another one shortly after to give the Washington Capitals a 2-1 lead over the Carolina Hurricanes after 40 minutes.
Halpern's first goal of the season and first as Cap since April 2006 was the result of creating traffic in front. Halpern actually started the play from behind the net as he passed the puck to Karl Alzner at the point. Alzner's shot went wide, but bounced off the boards and right to Mike Knuble. Knuble and Matt Hendricks were creating havoc in front of Cam Ward and the puck rolled free in the slot, where a diving Halpern put it past Ward at 1:28.
Just over a minute later, Brouwer gave Washington the lead. Roman Hamrlik's outlet pass was originally tied up, but Marcus Johansson corralled it and entered the offensive zone with a 2-on-1 rush with Brouwer. Johansson sent a saucer pass that glided over the sticks of the Hurricanes' defense and onto Brouwer's stick. Brouwer beat Ward with the tip-in for his third goal of the season to give the Caps a 2-1 lead.
Despite scoring twice, the Caps were outshot by the Hurricanes 10-8 in the period.