Lightning Edge Penguins 5-2 in NHL Matchup

Nikita Kucherov led the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins with two goals and an assist. This performance was pivotal as Kucherov scored the decisive goal late in the game, helping the Lightning secure points in both ends of back-to-back games for the first time this season. Additionally, Brandon Hagel contributed a goal, while Anthony Cirelli and Nick Paul added empty-net goals. The Lightning's Jake Guentzel achieved a milestone with two assists, making him the second player in Lightning history to hit 20 goals and 40 points in his first 40 games. Meanwhile, the Penguins struggled, missing Evgeni Malkin due to injury and extending their winless streak to 3-5-3 in their last 11 games. Kucherov's performance helped Tampa Bay become the first team this season to have four players with 20 or more goals.