Cirelli's Hat Trick Sends Lightning Into Atlantic Lead
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Tampa, Fla. — Anthony Cirelli scored a hat trick and the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 on Thursday night, moving the Lightning into first place in the Atlantic Division; key contributors included Nikita Kucherov, Zemgus Girgensons and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Tampa, Fla. — Anthony Cirelli scored a hat trick and the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 on Thursday night, moving the Lightning into first place in the Atlantic Division; key contributors included Nikita Kucherov, Zemgus Girgensons and goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy.
The victory improved Tampa Bay’s recent form to 7-1-2 and elevated the team to first in the Atlantic, with The News-Gazette noting a 47-22-6 record and 100 points; the Lightning can clinch a playoff berth Saturday at home, while Pittsburgh remains second in the Metropolitan, three points ahead.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Regular-season divisional race set the context entering the Tampa–Pittsburgh matchup.
- 2. Early in the game, Cirelli and Rakell traded goals within the opening minutes.
- 3. Cirelli scored short-handed 11 seconds into the second period, sparking a decisive three-goal frame.
- 4. Zemgus Girgensons scored his 100th career goal late in the second period.
- 5. Cirelli added an empty-netter to complete the hat trick; Tampa Bay moved into first place.
Why it matters
If you're a Tampa Bay Lightning fan, this is a huge win. It puts the team in a strong position for the playoffs. If you're a Penguins supporter, don't lose heart. The team is still in a good spot in the Metropolitan.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
