TAMPA, Fla., March 14 (UPI) -- Sergei Gonchar's goal 5:17 into the third period was the game-winner Sunday, lifting the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 2-1 decision over Tampa Bay.
Gonchar unleashed a slapshot from the point that bounced off the post and found its way past goalie Antero Niittymaki through a scrum in front of the net, giving the Penguins a decisive 2-1 lead.
Marc-Andre Fleury shut the door the rest of the way, making 21 saves for Pittsburgh, which lengthened its Atlantic Division lead to four points ahead of idle New Jersey.
Pascal Dupuis notched a third-period goal for the Penguins, winners of five of their last seven games.
Niittymaki played well in the loss, saving 37-of-39 shots, while Vincent Lecavalier provided the lone goal as the Lightning dropped their eighth game in 10 tries and remained three points out of the last Eastern Conference playoff spot.
