Lightning Defeat Penguins 6-3 in Playoff Push

Cirelli's hat trick leads Tampa Bay to first place in the Atlantic Division

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:34am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the frenetic action of a high-scoring NHL hockey game, with the players and puck blending into a dynamic, energetic composition.The Lightning's offensive firepower overwhelms the Penguins, exposing their goaltending struggles in a crucial late-season matchup.Today in Pittsburgh

The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 on April 2, 2026, led by Anthony Cirelli's second career hat trick. The win moves the Lightning into first place in the Atlantic Division, while the Penguins remain in second place in the Metropolitan Division, three points ahead of the Islanders in the playoff race.

Why it matters

This game was a key matchup between two playoff contenders in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins have struggled with goaltending recently, raising questions about whether they should consider calling up a prospect like Sergey Murdaugh from their AHL affiliate to provide a spark.

The details

The Lightning jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period and never looked back. Cirelli scored twice in the opening frame, with Nikita Kucherov adding another goal. The Penguins tried to mount a comeback in the second period, with goals from Evgeni Malkin and Rickard Rakell, but Cirelli completed his hat trick in the third period to seal the victory for Tampa Bay.

  • The game was played on April 2, 2026.

The players

Anthony Cirelli

A forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning who scored a hat trick in the game.

Evgeni Malkin

A veteran forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored a goal in the game.

Rickard Rakell

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who scored a goal in the game.

Nikita Kucherov

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

Sergey Murdaugh

A goaltending prospect for the Pittsburgh Penguins' AHL affiliate, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, who could be called up to provide a spark for the struggling Penguins' goaltending.

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What’s next

The Penguins will have to close out the season with a tough final six games, which could be too much for their struggling goaltending duo of Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith. The team may consider calling up Sergey Murdaugh from their AHL affiliate to provide a spark and playoff seasoning for the goalie of the future.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Penguins' goaltending struggles, which could jeopardize their playoff positioning in the tight Metropolitan Division race. The team may need to make a change in net, potentially by calling up a prospect like Sergey Murdaugh, in order to solidify their postseason chances.