Brayden Point’s Stellar Return Shakes the Ice

After two weeks off the ice nursing a lower-body injury, Brayden Point proved that he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Point scored the decisive goal at 3:58 of overtime, marking his 10th of the season, and led the Tampa Bay Lightning to a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on a Tuesday night showdown. His heroics in the third period initiated the Lightning’s comeback, highlighting the evening with an intense goal at 5:41.

Anthony Cirelli and Andrei Vasilevskiy Contribute to Tampa Bay’s Win

Anthony Cirelli added another feather to his cap, netting his fifth goal of the season. Meanwhile, Andrei Vasilevskiy, between the pipes for Tampa Bay, displayed exceptional skills by deflecting 17 shots. The win marked Tampa Bay’s first rally from a multi-goal deficit in the third period since their 3-2 overtime victory against Los Angeles on January 9.

Pittsburgh Penguins’ Performance Highlights

In the Penguins’ corner, Rickard Rakell ended his nine-game dry spell, scoring his seventh goal of the season. Jesse Puljujarvi was the first to find the net for Pittsburgh. Sidney Crosby, the legendary playmaker, added another assist to his record, surpassing Hall of Famer Joe Sakic to become the 13th-leading assist provider in NHL history, and ranking sixth for a single franchise with 1,017 assists. Penguins’ goalie Tristan Jarry put up a stellar performance, making 32 saves.

Lightning’s Third Straight Victory

The Lightning continued their winning streak with their third consecutive victory. In their previous games, they dominated both Winnipeg and New Jersey, with an impressive 8-1 goal differential. However, their clash against Pittsburgh required a challenging rally for a win.

Penguins’ Struggle Continues

For the Penguins, it was their fourth loss in five games, letting a two-goal lead slip away in the third period for the second consecutive game. This adds to their struggle, tallying 12 losses in their last 16 games overall.

The Game-Changing Moment

The game’s pivotal moment came when Point received a pass from J.J. Moser behind the net. With Jarry out of position at the side of the net, Point seized the opportunity to slide the winning goal past the near post.

Notable Stat

With his game-winning goal, Point recorded his 11th career overtime goal, surpassing Martin St. Louis to take the second spot in franchise history.

What’s Next?

Upcoming, the Lightning are set to visit Columbus on Thursday, while the Penguins will continue their five-game homestand against Winnipeg on Friday.

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.