Penguins Lose to Lightning, 6-3

Tampa Bay's Anthony Cirelli scores three goals in victory over Pittsburgh

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:03am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a hockey game, with sharp geometric planes of ice, sticks, pucks, and players' bodies in the vibrant colors of the Penguins and Lightning uniforms.A cubist interpretation of the intense action on the ice as the Penguins and Lightning battled it out in a high-scoring divisional matchup.Today in Tampa

The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins by a score of 6-3 in an NHL hockey game played on Thursday, April 2, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. Lightning center Anthony Cirelli scored three goals for his second career hat trick, while teammate Nikita Kucherov also found the back of the net for the home team.

Why it matters

This was an important divisional matchup between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The loss was a setback for the Penguins, who are trying to secure a playoff spot, while the Lightning continue to solidify their position as one of the league's elite teams.

The details

Cirelli scored his three goals in the second period to give the Lightning a commanding lead. Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner made 32 saves in the losing effort. The game was played in front of a lively crowd at Amalie Arena in Tampa.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • Cirelli scored his three goals in the second period.

The players

Anthony Cirelli

A center for the Tampa Bay Lightning who registered his second career hat trick in the game.

Nikita Kucherov

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who also scored a goal in the victory.

Stuart Skinner

The goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins who made 32 saves in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against a great team like Pittsburgh. I'm just glad I could contribute and help us get the win.”

— Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay Lightning Center

What’s next

The Penguins will look to bounce back in their next game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, April 4th. The Lightning will try to build on this win when they host the Washington Capitals on Sunday, April 5th.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the offensive firepower of the Lightning, led by the standout performance of Anthony Cirelli. The Penguins will need to regroup quickly if they hope to secure a playoff spot, while the Lightning continue to assert themselves as one of the top teams in the NHL.