The Penguins moved into a tie with idle New Jersey for first place in the Atlantic Division. With 91 points, Pittsburgh also trails Montreal by just one for the lead in the tightly-packed Eastern Conference.

Pittsburgh built a three-goal lead early in the third period, getting goals from Jarkko Ruutu, Jordan Staal and Petr Sykora.

It was the Penguins' fourth win in five games.

Tampa Bay was coming off Wednesday's 7-4 loss to Buffalo, during which the Lightning surrendered six goals in the third period to blow a 4-1 lead.

Pittsburgh won the season series against Tampa Bay (3-1) for the first time in five seasons. Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis appeared in his 600th NHL game.