Cernak scores late goal as Lightning beat Wild 6-3

Tampa Bay rallies from two-goal deficit to win fourth game in five

Mar. 25, 2026 at 3:23am

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Erik Cernak scored the tiebreaking goal with 2:53 left in the third period as the Tampa Bay Lightning came from behind to beat the Minnesota Wild 6-3 on Tuesday night. The Lightning scored five unanswered goals in the second and third periods to rally from a 2-0 deficit and win for the fourth time in five games.

Why it matters

The win keeps the Lightning in the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference, while the loss is another setback for the struggling Wild, who have now lost five of their last seven games.

The details

Cernak's game-winning goal came after Minnesota goaltender Filip Gustavsson misplayed a carom off the end boards, allowing the puck to go between his legs and into the crease, where Cernak pounced on it. Darren Raddysh, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel also scored for the Lightning, while Vladimir Tarasenko, Mats Zuccarello, and Brock Faber scored for the Wild. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 20 saves to earn the win for Tampa Bay.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
  • Cernak's game-winning goal came with 2:53 left in the third period.

The players

Erik Cernak

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman who scored the game-winning goal.

Filip Gustavsson

Minnesota Wild goaltender who misplayed the carom that led to Cernak's goal.

Andrei Vasilevskiy

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender who made 20 saves to earn the win.

Vladimir Tarasenko

Minnesota Wild forward who scored a goal and had an assist.

Mats Zuccarello

Minnesota Wild forward who scored a goal.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.