Before the game, the Pittsburgh Penguins were talking about needing a victory, needing the two points, needing to move into playoff position in the NHL’s Eastern Conference.
And this from the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions.
Not an ideal situation for the Carolina Hurricanes, but the outcome Thursday in Pittsburgh was more than ideal for the Canes, who came away with a 4-0 victory that earned goalie Cam Ward his first shutout of the season.
The Canes moved into playoff playoff position Tuesday, albeit by picking up a point in a sour 5-4 overtime loss to Washington.