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PITTSBURGH -- Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins admit it was a disappointing end to last season when they blew a 3-1 series lead in the opening round of the playoffs against the New York Rangers.
A pair of lopsided wins to start the new season, including the latest against the defending Eastern Conference champions, has eased some of the sting of last year's playoff disappointment.
Crosby had a goal and two assists, Jake Guentzel had a goal and an assist, and the Penguins scored four times in the third period to beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-2 on Saturday night.
"You just want to start off on a good note regardless, especially how we finished," Crosby said. "If there's any extra motivation, it would definitely be there for us. I think everyone is excited."
Danton Heinen and Bryan Rust had power-play goals, while Jeff Carter and Rickard Rakell also scored for the Penguins, who have outscored opponents 12-4 in two games this season. Tristan Jarry made 34 saves for his second win.
"This is a proud group," said coach Mike Sullivan, who is one win from 300 with Pittsburgh. "The core group of players that have been here, they're hungry to win. They're willing to put the work in and they're willing to make the sacrifices."
Steven Stamkos scored his fourth of the season and Brayden Point got his first for the Lightning, who lost two of three on a season-opening trip. Brian Elliott made 39 saves for Tampa Bay, which beat Columbus during the first half of a back-to-back set on Friday night.
"(Pittsburgh) is a really good, skilled team," Point said. "They come at you in waves. Tonight just wasn't good enough."
Pittsburgh held a 2-1 lead into the third period before Guentzel and Carter scored 1:22 apart to break it open.
Crosby now has 1,415 career points, passing Doug Gilmour for 19th-place on the NHL's all-time points list. Crosby has 896 assists, moving past Phil Housley for sole possession of 20th-place on the NHL's all-time list.