Kucherov's Late Goal Lifts Lightning Past Penguins in 5-2 Victory

Tampa Bay secures its third win in four games as Pittsburgh struggles with injuries and consistency.

Nikita Kucherov scored twice, including the game-winner on a breakaway with just over three minutes left, bringing his season total to 20 goals.
The Lightning claimed the season series against the Penguins and recorded points in both halves of a back-to-back for the first time this season.
Brandon Hagel also reached the 20-goal mark, making Tampa Bay the first NHL team this season with four players achieving this milestone.
Pittsburgh's Rickard Rakell scored his team-leading 22nd goal, while Sidney Crosby tied Marcel Dionne for 11th on the NHL's all-time assists list with his 1,040th career assist.
The Penguins faced setbacks with Evgeni Malkin placed on injured reserve and Michael Bunting sidelined following a car accident, though he was reported to be unharmed.