This is frustrating

The Canes lost in a shootout 4-3 to the Flyers, in a game that could be called "Exhibit A" in the Museum of "Why this team is so frustrating".

The first two periods of this game were definitely nothing to brag about, the Canes going down 2-0 in the first period.

Then came the third period, in which the Canes scored three straight to tie the game up and force it to overtime. Where this sudden comeback came from, I have absolutely no idea. But it's amazing how this team can be playing poorly for the entire season, but somehow appear to be a cohesive unit for 10 minutes.

I'm at a loss, here. I don't understand why Eric Staal is playing the wing. I understand that you would want to mix up the lines when the team is playing horribly, or to send a message to the players, but I just don't understand why you would want to force a player to play a position that he is not comfortable with for an extended period of time.

And, yes, I know that the Jokinen-Cullen-Staal line is responsible for two of the goals that were scored. Although, personally, I thought that the Whitney-Sutter-Ruutu line played with more energy and had tons of excellent chances (Whitney apparently can't hit the broad side of a barn).

And, let's face it, this was Michael Leighton in goal for the Flyers. He may not have gotten a fair shake in Raleigh, but he never played as well as he did in the first two periods. The Canes need to play better - because if they're scrapping for points against the Flyers (who are tied with the Maple Leafs), how are they going to manage against a team like the C[r]apitals, who have all of their ducks in order?