Halpern surgery deeemed a success by Lightning

Center Jeff Halpern underwent what the Lightning deemed "successful" surgery yesterday to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a partial rupture of the medial collateral ligament and a small tear to the lateral meniscus in his right knee. 

The procedure was performed by Dr. Benjamin Shaffer in Washington, D.C. Shaffer repaired Halpern's torn left ACL in 2002 when he was a member of the Capitals.
Halpern was injured in the third period of Team USA’s 5-4 loss against Canada at the IIHF World Championships in Halifax, Nova Scotia on May 6.
Halpern, 32, was acquired in a deadline deal that sent Brad Richards to Dallas. He was an immediate contributor, with 10 goals and 18 points in 19 games.

Rehabilitation could requires as much as six months, although agent Mike Liut said he expected Halpern to be back sooner.
-- BRANT JAMES, Times Staff Writer