Cirelli's Hat Trick Leads Lightning to 100-Point Season

Tampa Bay defeats Pittsburgh 6-3 to clinch Atlantic Division title

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:07am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon splatters and brushstrokes that capture the frenetic energy and movement of a professional hockey game, with indistinct player figures and the puck blending together in a colorful, dynamic composition.The Lightning's offensive firepower overwhelms the Penguins in a high-scoring affair that showcases the raw intensity of NHL playoff hockey.Today in Pittsburgh

Anthony Cirelli scored a hat trick and Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 to reach 100 points on the season and clinch the Atlantic Division title. Egor Chinakhov scored twice for the Penguins, who remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division.

Why it matters

The Lightning's victory over the Penguins solidifies their position atop the Atlantic Division and puts them in prime position to make a deep playoff run as they chase their third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. For the Penguins, the loss is a setback in their quest to secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

The details

Anthony Cirelli scored his second career hat trick, with his three goals coming in the first and second periods. Nikita Kucherov added a goal and two assists for the Lightning, while Egor Chinakhov scored twice for the Penguins. The game was tied 2-2 early in the second period before the Lightning pulled away with three unanswered goals.

  • The game was played on April 2, 2026.
  • Cirelli's first goal came at 5:06 of the first period.
  • Rakell tied the game at 1-1 at 7:01 of the first period.
  • Chinakhov gave the Penguins a 2-1 lead at 16:10 of the first period.
  • Cirelli scored his second goal just 11 seconds into the second period.

The players

Anthony Cirelli

A 24-year-old center for the Tampa Bay Lightning who recorded his second career hat trick in the game.

Nikita Kucherov

A 32-year-old right winger for the Tampa Bay Lightning who had a goal and two assists in the victory.

Egor Chinakhov

A 22-year-old forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored two goals in the losing effort.

Stuart Skinner

The 24-year-old goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins who made 27 saves in the game.

Andrei Vasilevskiy

The 31-year-old goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning who made 21 saves to earn the victory.

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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 really proud of the way the guys battled and stuck to our game plan.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Lightning

“We had our chances, but Vasilevskiy made some big saves. We'll need to regroup and come back stronger in our next game.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins

What’s next

The Lightning will look to clinch the Presidents' Trophy when they host the Boston Bruins on April 4th. The Penguins will try to bounce back when they visit the Washington Capitals on April 6th.

The takeaway

This game showcased the depth and scoring prowess of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are firmly in control of the Atlantic Division and appear primed for another deep playoff run. For the Penguins, the loss is a setback, but they remain in a strong position to secure home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.