CANES BLOW LEAD, TIE DUCKS

Carolina

The Hurricanes looked to have the game in check, but in the end, the swarming Ducks managed to pull even with Carolina.

"What a bad collapse," said head coach Joel Quenneville. "I just finished talking about how defensively great our guys played and poof, we allow 6. No offense to this group, but we need effort."

Up front, the new second line of Kyle Wellwood, Jeff Friesen and Darcy Tucker combined for 10 points. The trio had all those points in the first 33 minutes of the game and the Canes went into defensive shell mode, a move that would be their ultimate doom.

"We needed to shut the Ducks down," said captain Shane Doan. "This was a game we should have walked away with the win, but instead it's just a tie. We can do better and we will next game."

With the single point, however, the Carolina Hurricanes take over sole possession of first overall. Although there has only been 13 games played, the accolade is not one that has gone unnoticed.

"Any time you are the top of whatever you do, it is a great feeling," said Jay McKee. "We have worked hard this season so personally, this feels good."