Five takeways from the Hurricanes’ 4-0 win over the Penguins

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. The Pens were coming off a 5-1 road win over the Philadelphia Flyers in a Metropolitan Division game, and would have…