Penguins win 3-1 without Crosby

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Pittsburgh is finding ways to win without Sidney Crosby.

Chris Kunitz had two rebound goals to lead the Penguins past the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-1 on Tuesday night.

“I stand in front and I go to the net,” Kunitz said. “Right now we’re doing a good job of shooting the puck on net and going for rebounds. I don’t score many from outside the circles, it’s usually right close to the crease.”

Crosby, the high-scoring Pittsburgh captain, missed his fourth straight game — all Penguins victories — due to a groin injury. He did take part in Tuesday’s morning skate, though.

Matt Cooke also scored for the Penguins, eighth in the Eastern Conference. Marc-Andre Fleury made his 14th consecutive start, posting a 9-4-1 record over that stretch.

“We’re getting some confidence,” Fleury said. “We’re battling for the big points we’re getting.”

Tampa Bay got a goal from Vinny Prospal. The Lightning have lost 12 of 16.

“Losing is miserable,” Tampa Bay center Ryan Craig said.

Kunitz put the Penguins ahead 1-0 on a rebound goal at 7:38 of the first period. The Lightning tied it when Prospal scored off a pass from Vincent Lecavalier during a 2-on-1 with 7:37 left in the period.

Pittsburgh went up 2-1 on Kunitz’s second goal of the game during a power play late in the first period. Evgeni Malkin assisted on the goal for his NHL-leading 93rd point. Malkin has eight assists and 13 points during a nine-game point streak.

Cooke made it 3-1 midway in the second.

“You’ve got to create offense, and a lot of times one of the best plays is getting the puck to the net and then going to the net,” Penguins interim coach Dan Bylsma said. “It can start to become an identity of a team.”