The Magpies were defeated to Port Adelaide by 35 points at AAMI Stadium on Saturday, allowing the Power to dictate terms in a disappointing final term.
Collingwood sits two games clear of the Blues, West Coast and Adelaide on the ladder, but face a challenging run home, beginning with the clash against Mick Malthouse's men.
"I think every club has had a flat spot, here of there, and it does get frustrating," Pendlebury said on Monday morning.
"We've been up and down a little bit. We got three in a row … but then just came out on the weekend and we just couldn't execute that well.
"Obviously, we need to smooth things out in the run home."
Collingwood's goal supply was dried up by a stingy Power outfit and Pendlebury said the club needed to change its reliance on Travis Cloke.
The vice-captain said the club had to return to basics to get their season back on track.
"I think we've showed signs through the year that that manic Collingwood is still there, but other sides have improved and we've got to go up another level," he said.
However, the Magpies are set to be boosted by the return of Darren Jolly, who missed the Power clash with a toe injury, while they could call on Clinton Young to play his first game for the club.
Young has been impressive in his two games in the VFL and played a starring role with 21 possessions and seven inside 50s on the weekend.
"I don't want to steal Bucks' thunder for later this week, but I think there would be a fair chance that Youngy will play," Pendlebury said.
Speaking after a basketball shoot-around session with NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving, Pendlebury said the club could also regain fellow star midfielder Dayne Beams via the VFL - or even in the seniors - this week.
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie
