Sidney Crosby reflects on Penguins’ loss to Lightning (Source: Imagn)

Sidney Crosby addressed the Pittsburgh Penguins’ recent struggles following their 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday. Crosby said the Penguins played well but couldn’t secure the win, marking their second loss of the weekend. He emphasized the team’s need to focus on finding ways to win.

“They’re two different games. Yesterday, we didn’t really give ourselves a chance at all. Tonight, I thought we deserved better, but you don’t get points for playing well,” Crosby said (via NHL.com).

The Penguins are now 2-4-3 since the holiday break. Crosby noted that while the team often plays well, they struggle to achieve results.

“It’s a matter of details and big plays, and when you’re stringing seven together, you’re getting those plays, and when you’re not, that’s probably the difference,” he said.

“But a lot of those games we’re coming out of, we feel like we did a lot of good things. So, that’s probably the most frustrating thing about it.”

The Penguins started strong, outshooting the Lightning 14-2 in the first period. Rickard Rakell scored to give them a 1-0 lead. However, Nikita Kucherov scored twice for Tampa Bay, including the game-winner, and two empty-net goals sealed the Penguins’ loss.

Pittsburgh now has a record of 18-19-8 and sits fifth in the Metropolitan Division with 44 points, two points shy of the division’s wild-card spot.

Mike Sullivan addresses Penguins’ struggles after loss to Lightning

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan praised the team’s effort, noting that they played well and defended hard in many situations.

“We played on top of them. I thought we defended hard in a lot of instances. They have some game-breaking players on their side. It’s unfortunate the way it just evolved in the last couple of minutes, because I thought our group played really hard.”

Kevin Hayes, replacing Michael Bunting, scored early in the third period to tie the game. Rakell added his 22nd goal of the season. Phil Tomasino, returning from injury, logged 13:36 of ice time. However, the absence of Evgeni Malkin and Bunting made it harder for the Penguins to compete.

Sullivan said the team has remained competitive despite recent losses.

“I think the players, their intentions are in the right spot. A few weeks ago, pucks were going in the net for some guys. Lately, it hasn’t been the case. But I think we just got to stay with it,” Sullivan added.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will play the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday before beginning a seven-game road trip. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.