"Guy Carbonneau can accept losses but not when his team doesn't work.

And that's why he was angry Tuesday night after the Montreal Canadiens dropped a 2-1 decision to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes took in control of this game in the third period as they outshot the Canadiens, 20-9 and erased a 1-0 deficit on goals by Sergei Samsonov and Ray Whitney.

The Canadiens took a 1-0 lead when Robert Lang eluded Eric Staal in the slot and beat Cam Ward during a power play at 1:07 of the second period. It was the first power-play goal in five games for Montreal, which went 1-for-6 on the night.

Alex Kovalev said the Canadiens lost because "we gambled in the third period" but Carbonneau said it was a matter of getting away from the game plan.

"We didn't want to shoot the puck in; didn't want to shoot the puck on net," said Carbonneau. "We made a couple of turnovers, they scored that first goal and they gained the momentum and took advantage of it."

"Every loss is frustrating but, if we lose five games in a row and we work, I won't say anything. I won't be happy but I won't be as mad as I am now."

A turnover in the neutral zone led to a 2-on-2 rush with Samsonov and Patrick Eaves beating down on the Canadiens. Defenceman Ryan O'Byrne appeared to have good position on Samsonov but the Russian pulled him to his left with a fake and that gave Samsonov a clear shot at Carey Price.

"The shot went between my arm and my leg on the stick side," said Price, who faced a season-high 48 shots. "I thought I had it."

It was the first goal of the season for Samsonov and it tied the game at 3:06.

The Hurricanes went ahead to stay at 6:33 when Whitney scored on the power play with O'Byrne off for interference. It was Carolina's 12th shot of the period.

Price was one of the few bright spots for the Canadiens. He was outstanding in the first period when the Canadiens were outshot 18-8.

"Both goalies, the last three games, have played really well," said Carbonneau. "They've kept us in the game and that's what we've asked for but we have to be patient. The rest of the guys have to play better."

The Canadiens' only good chance to tie the score came midway through the third period when Andrei Kostitsyn hit a post.

The Canadiens wrap up their three-game road trip Thursday night in Ottawa. They're back home Saturday to face the Boston Bruins. That game will be preceded by the ceremony to retire Patrick Roy's No. 33."