Lightning Defeat Penguins, Cirelli Nets Hat Trick

Tampa Bay takes over first place in Atlantic Division with win

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:32am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a hockey game, with players and the puck broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, crimson, and metallic silver, conveying the energy and intensity of the Lightning's division-leading victory.The Lightning's offensive explosion and Cirelli's hat trick propel the team to the top of the Atlantic Division standings.Today in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3, with Anthony Cirelli recording his second career hat trick. Nikita Kucherov also had a goal and three points as the Lightning moved into first place in the Atlantic Division.

Why it matters

The Lightning's win over the Penguins allows them to leapfrog into first place in the competitive Atlantic Division, a key position heading into the final stretch of the NHL regular season.

The details

Anthony Cirelli scored three goals for the Lightning, his second career hat trick. Nikita Kucherov added a goal and three assists to the Lightning's offensive outburst. The win moves Tampa Bay ahead of the Penguins in the Atlantic Division standings.

  • The game was played on April 3, 2026.

The players

Anthony Cirelli

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who recorded his second career hat trick in the game.

Nikita Kucherov

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who scored a goal and had three assists in the win.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The NHL hockey team that defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins and moved into first place in the Atlantic Division.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The NHL hockey team that lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in this game.

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What they’re saying

“It was a big win for us to take over first place. The guys really stepped up tonight.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Lightning

What’s next

The Lightning will look to extend their lead in the Atlantic Division when they face the Boston Bruins on April 5th.

The takeaway

The Lightning's offensive firepower and Cirelli's hat trick performance allowed them to leapfrog the Penguins and take control of the top spot in the Atlantic Division standings.