Anthony Cirelli (© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/55c6f934-744a-4982-8a52-566f80b3e234.jpeg] Anthony Cirelli (© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) Back in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning] selected forward Anthony Cirelli with the 72nd overall pick. Since then, the 27-year-old has emerged as a very important player on the Lightning' [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwruDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen]s roster because of his strong two-way play. The Lightning's March 25 contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins was a significant one for Cirelli, as it was his 500th career NHL game. The Etobicoke, Ontario native undoubtedly delivered during his milestone game, as he put together an excellent performance. Cirelli played a significant role in the Lightning's 6-1 win over the Penguins, scoring two first-period goals [https://x.com/Sportsnet/status/1904680076773302449]. With this, Cirelli now has 26 goals, 52 points, and a plus-24 rating. The eight-year veteran is building on his career-best offensive numbers, and he is not showing any signs of slowing down. Over his last six games, the 6-foot-1 forward has six goals and an assist. Overall, Cirelli showed up in his 500th career game and continues to remind the Lightning that they found a gem by selecting him in the third round. Seeing how he builds on his strong season from here will be fascinating. Recent Lightning News Lightning's Nikita Kucherov Makes History With Remarkable Stat [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightnings-nikita-kucherov-makes-history-with-remarkable-stat] Lightning Sign Prospect Cooper Flinton To Entry-Level Deal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-sign-promising-prospect-to-entry-level-deal] Former Lightning Forward Having Impressive Hot Streak [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/former-lightning-forward-having-impressive-hot-streak] Lightning Assign Cam Atkinson To AHL & Call Up Goaltender [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-assign-cam-atkinson-to-ahl-call-up-goaltender?backLinkUrl=%2Fnhl%2Ftampa-bay-lightning%2Fauthor%2Fmichael-derosa&backLinkLabel=Back%20to%20michaelderosa@THNew] Lightning's Brandon Hagel Sets New NHL Record [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightnings-brandon-hagel-sets-new-nhl-record?backLinkUrl=%2Fnhl%2Ftampa-bay-lightning%2Fauthor%2Fmichael-derosa&backLinkLabel=Back%20to%20michaelderosa@THNew]
