Canes Turn in Lackluster Performance Against Sens

The Carolina Hurricanes were every bit as lifeless as the score indicates in an embarrassing 6-0 home loss to Ottawa.

Clearly not in a talkative mood, Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette wrapped up his postgame press conference with a very grim "We didn't play very well."

And his message is clear: That has to change.

The Canes locker room wasn't any more cheerful. "We got outworked, embarrassed in our own building. And it's unacceptable," said defenseman Glen Wesley, who went on to question his team's desire.

"We can't have any passengers on any night," Wesley said, "because we're not good enough to win as a group with five or six guys. It's got to be 20 guys every single night."

Ottawa grabbed an early lead, scoring three first-period goals on a mere eight shots.

"It's just each guy, it's me ... everyone's got to be better," said Hurricanes captain Rod Brind'Amour. "We're not good enough that we can 'get by' unless everyone''s on top of their game."

Obviously, the Canes were not on top of their game against the Senators. And it's only part of a long-term trend for this team. The Hurricanes are only 3-6 over their last nine games, with four of those losses coming by three goals or more.

This downward slide has yet to cost Carolina in the Southeastern Division standings. Thanks to a great start, the Hurricanes still remain in first place. But given their current level of play, how long can that last?

A win against Ottawa would have brought Carolina within two points of first place in the Eastern Conference. But instead, this team looks much more like a squad that will have to fight just to hold on to a playoff spot.