RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Backup goaltender Michal Neuvirth allowed an early score and then blanked Carolina the rest of the way Friday in leading Washington past the Hurricanes 5-1.
The Capitals, who are off to a 9-2 start this season, took the lead in the second period when Jeff Halpern and Troy Brouwer scored 71 seconds apart, and then turned the game into a runaway in the third.
Because Washington will play Saturday, Neuvirth got the start in place of regular goaltender Tomas Vokoun. Neuvirth, who gave up four goals in his previous outing last Saturday against Vancouver, appeared in his third contest of the season.
Anthony Stewart beat Neuvirth 3:26 into the game, but the other 24 Carolina shots were turned aside.
John Carlson, Cody Eakin and Nicklas Backstrom all scored in the third period with Backstrom getting his fifth goal of the season.
Cam Ward allowed all five Washington goals on 32 shots.
