It was just that easy for Eric Staal and the Hurricanes at times last night, as Washington looked sluggish through most of a 6-3 home loss. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Hurricanes 6, Capitals 3: Bruce Boudreau talked an awful lot about deflation in his post-game presser last night. He was on point, of course — pretty much everything about yesterday was deflating for the Capitals. First, the team’s captain of four years, Chris Clark, was surprisingly jettisoned to Columbus in exchange for winger Jason Chimera. Then, the team got off to it’s worst start of the season, managing only four shots in the first period, and falling into a 3-0 hole against a rival. Jose Theodore turned in another awful performance between the pipes. The team was on the butt end of some downright terrible officiating (oh, and a note to the league office: this diving business is really starting to get out of control — if it’s a penalty on the defender, how can the offensive player be diving?) which stunted any chance they had at a comeback. Eric Stall led Carolina with five points, handing Washington its first divisional defeat of the season — and leading Carolina to only their second road win this year. So yeah, it sure was a downer of a day in Capsland. But the sun will come up tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar.

Grizzlies 116, Wizards 111 (OT): Well, if there was any possible doubt that this Wizards team has a serious problem with depth, here’s the proof. Wizards starters last night: 38-80 from the field (47.5%), 101 points, 36 rebounds, 6 blocks, 7 steals and assorted change. The backups? Well, Earl Boykins had seven assists (but went 0-7 from the field). And…well, that’s about it. Santa apparently forgot to bring the Wizards a sixth man. Of course, the Wizards losing to a team with less talent on paper is nothing new. Put it this way: as long as Gilbert Arenas and company continue to play sloppy basketball against teams who work hard and run their sets properly, their record will continue to slide, no matter who the opponent.