Halpern Gets a Top-to-Bottom Makeover

Jeff Halpern, right, is relishing the chance to play the Capitals, his former team. "I might have a little extra care about what goes on in that game," he said. (By Chris O'meara -- Associated Press)

When Dallas visited Verizon Center in November 2006, Halpern was overwhelmed with emotion and did not register a point. It was "one of the worst games I've played in my career," he said that night.

He doesn't anticipate that happening again.

"It was more than I thought it was going to be, walking into that building and playing that game," Halpern said. "I'd like to think the second time around I'll be a little more comfortable and will play a little more like I want."

Halpern's father, Mel, will attend a game in Tampa for the first time since the trade. Halpern also hoped to have dinner with Capitals goaltenders Olie Kolzig and Brent Johnson, two of his close friends, Wednesday night.

"He had a great situation in Dallas, a team that's considered a contender out West," said Kolzig, who was Halpern's roommate on the road. "Now he's with a team that might be better in the future but is out of it now. So it's tough for him. But he's obviously made the most of it."

Playing mostly with wingers Mathieu Darche and Michel Ouellet, Halpern has rediscovered his scoring touch despite some injury problems. He missed one game because of an abdominal strain and has been unable to take faceoffs.

Asked for his thoughts on Washington's turnaround this season, Halpern said he is not surprised.

"You look at the talent in that room, it was bound to break out at some point," he said. "I don't see many teams better than them in the East. It's just a matter of making the playoffs."

Halpern, ironically, could have a say in whether that happens or not.