Final Thoughts On Preseason Opener

I can say this for sure — no one in the Canes' locker room was happy with the results tonight. The mood after the game was sullen at best. Here's some news and thoughts:

• Coach Peter Laviolette was dumbfounded by the play tonight, saying the team "didn't execute well at all." Sloppy passing and a hungrier Capitals team were just some of the things the coach mentioned as issues in the game. He did say Joni Pitkanen's play was good — on top of his goal, Laviolette said the new defenseman skated well in his Carolina debut. When asked about who, if anyone, stood out, Laviolette mentioned Ryan Bayda, Chad LaRose and Scott Walker.

• Tim Gleason left the game with a leg injury. He will be evaluated, but Laviolette said "it will probably be a little bit of time."

• Matt Cullen on perhaps playing wing, like he did in 2006: "We'll see, I guess we'll see how the exhibition season goes. Personally, I don't care where I play. I just want to play and try and make a difference."