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The Penguins trailed Tampa Bay 2-1 after the first period, but stormed back in the second period to take a 4-2 lead and seal the victory.
The Tampa Bay Lightning lead the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 after one period at Consol Energy Center. This game matches the two hottest offensive players in the league, with Steven Stamkos and Evgeni Malkin squaring off. Stamkos has 10 points in the past six games while Malkin has 8 points in the past four games.
After a scoreless ten minutes to start the period, two goals in a matter of 11 seconds quickly put the Bolts on top. Brent Johnson, who got the start in place of Marc-Andre Fleury, was beaten twice in just five first period shots by Tampa Bay. Steve Downie netted both goals for the Bolts, as he took the assists from Teddy Purcell and scored both in a quick shift mid way through the first.
The Penguins cut the lead in half on the power play when Evgeni Malkin rocketed a one-timer past Mathieu Garon for his 31st goal of the season. Malkin set up the power play as well, drawing a hooking penalty on Stamkos that sent the NHL's leading goal-scorer to the box. Kris Letang set up the one-timed blast.
For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Penguins, check out PensBurgh. For more on the Lightning, there's Raw Charge. For all your NHL news as the trade deadline approaches, check out SB Nation's hockey hub.
After a wild win against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday, the Penguins play their second game in two days, hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning Sunday night at 7:00.
The Pens won 8-5 on Saturday thanks in part to Evgeni Malkin, who had a goal in four assists. In the absence of Sidney Crosby, Malkin has re-emerged as one of the NHL's top players. He has three goals and two assists in two games against the Lightning so far this season.
Since losing to the Penguins January 15, the Lightning have gone 7-1-2. They've been led, in part, by Steven Stamkos, who has points in all of his last seven games. Stamkos leads the NHL in goals with 37; Malkin is tied for second, with 30, and leads the NHL in points with 67, five more than Stamkos.
Since the Penguins played on Saturday, it's likely that Brent Johnson will start in goal, but Penguins coach Dan Bylsma hasn't yet announced his lineup.
For more on the Penguins, check out PensBurgh. For more on the Lightning, there's Raw Charge.
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Lightning Vs. Penguins Final Score: Pittsburgh Storms Back To Win 4-2
More: Malkin, Letang lead Penguins past Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning held a 2-1 lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins after the first period, but the Penguins came roaring back in the second period. Just 56 seconds into the second period, Chris Kunitz picked up a goal, assisted by Kris Letang and Brent Johnson, that tied the game at 2-2. Just a few minutes later, the Penguins took 3-2 lead on a Letang goal that was assisted by Kunitz and James Neal.
The Penguins weren't done scoring in the second period however, as Evgeni Malkin scored his 32nd goal of the season to give the Penguins a 4-2 lead over the Lightning, which proved to be enough to secure the victory. The Lightning couldn't get anything past goalie Brent Johnson after the first period and found themselves doubling up the Penguins in penalty minutes.
For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Bolts, check out Raw Charge. For more on the Penguins, there's PensBurgh. For all your NHL news as the trade deadline approaches, check out SB Nation's hockey hub.
Feb 12 9:58p by Alfie Crow