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Pittsburgh's 5-2 Loss to Florida “Hard to Evaluate” | Pittsburgh Penguins

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Pittsburgh's 5-2 Loss to Florida “Hard to Evaluate” | Pittsburgh Penguins


The Florida Panthers extended their franchise-record road win streak to nine games on Tuesday at PPG Paints Arena, defeating the Penguins by a score of 5-2 – their third straight setback.

“I think tonight’s a hard one to evaluate, to be honest with you. It was kind of a wacky game,” captain Sidney Crosby said. “Obviously, we got to win games, so whatever that takes. But the Winnipeg and Minnesota games, we’re in the game and we’re a goal away from it being a different outcome. Tonight was just a weird one. It’s a hard one to evaluate.”

Pittsburgh’s head coach had the same assessment.

“It wasn’t like we were under siege or anything. We just gave up some untimely goals,” Mike Sullivan said. “I thought the power plays had some opportunities to get us going early in the game. We didn’t execute at all, I don’t think we handled their pressure very well. They’re a real aggressive kill. I think we could have done a better job there.”

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Rookie defenseman John Ludvig got the first goal of his NHL career, while Bryan Rust also scored for Pittsburgh. Jake Guentzel, who was originally credited, and now has the primary assist, left the game with around 12 minutes to go.

“He’s being evaluated right now for an upper-body injury. That’s all I have for you,” Sullivan said.

After a low-event first period, Pittsburgh’s fortunes turned on a tough sequence early in the second, which began with the teams 4-on-4 after roughing minors to Evgeni Malkin and Oliver Ekman-Larsson at the horn.

The Penguins came out strong and generated a number of chances, drawing a penalty and appearing to score 10 seconds in… before Rickard Rakell’s tally got successfully challenged for a high stick before the goal. It would have been his first goal since Jan. 8 in Philadelphia.

The Penguins remained on the power play and had a glorious chance in the final seconds that they just couldn’t corral. The Panthers went the other way – going back to full strength on the way – and got on the board. They added to their lead exactly 34 seconds later.

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“We got that goal disallowed… it’s the right call. But they got two quick ones, and that deflated us a little bit too much,” Marcus Pettersson said.

The Penguins struggled to do that, as Florida scored a total of four unanswered goals in the first 13:02 of the period. Pittsburgh did start to chip away late in the middle frame, with Rust officially getting his team on the board despite another coach’s challenge, this one for goalie interference.

The call on the ice stood, but Bobrovsky responded with an unreal save to keep a re-direct from Guentzel from going over the line. Jarry also pulled out some heroics by denying Matthew Tkachuk on a breakaway.

Jarry was the recipient of a tough bounce early in the third, when a puck deflected and went high in the air before dropping into the net. Ludvig quickly responded with his tally, one he’ll remember for the rest of his life.

“It’s a cool feeling for sure, something you want your whole life,” he said. “But yeah, all I really care about right now is just getting some wins, and that’s all anyone in this room cares about, so we got to find a way to do that.”

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From pizza to Panthers: How Simas Ignatavicius landed with Florida | Florida Panthers

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From pizza to Panthers: How Simas Ignatavicius landed with Florida | Florida Panthers


In Switzerland ever since, Ignatavicius has steadily improved with each passing season.

Spending most of the 2025-26 campaign playing against professionals in the National League, he notched 13 points (7G, 6A) in 52 games with Genève-Servette HC. He also suited up in 11 games in the postseason, scoring two goals and dishing out an assist.

During a brief stint in Switzerland’s second-tier league, he was better than a point-per-game player, racking up 11 points (7G, 4A) in eight contests.

“That was a big there,” the 18-year-old forward said of his breakout season. “There we go, and here I am now.”

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Catching the attention of scouts across the NHL, Ignatavicius was projected as a possible late-first-round pick by several outlets heading into this weekend.

Making history when the Panthers called his name, he became the fourth Lithuanian to be drafted, joining Darius Kasparaitis, Dainius Zubrus and Andrey Pedan.

“It means a lot to my family and to my country,” Ignatavicius. “It shows little kids that whatever you dream it’s possible. You’ve just got to work for it. When you get your chance, you take it. Don’t give up. Work hard.”

A veteran of 1,293 games in the NHL, Zubrus has been a longtime mentor to his young countryman.

“I’m pretty close with him,” Ignatavicius said. “We text a lot. I’m happy with that and think I can learn a lot from him.”

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When it comes to future lessons, he’ll have no shortage of new teachers to work with in South Florida.

Priding himself on playing a physical, relentless style, Ignatavicius models his game after one Panther in particular.

“Matthew Tkachuk,” he said. “I try playing like him, his style. I think he’s a great player and I can learn a lot from him.”

Yet to commit to returning to Switzerland next season, Ignatavicius is still waiting to see where he’ll lace up his skates in 2025-26.

“I’ve just got to focus on my summer and getting better,” he said.

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In the immediate future, Ignatavicius will soon board a flight to Fort Lauderdale to participate in his first development camp with the Panthers.

“Florida? Can’t complain much,” he said when asked about his impending trip. “Very happy.”

In between on-ice sessions, maybe Ignatavicius will even find some time to grab a pizza.

If he needs a recommendation, I’m sure Panthers fans will have a few suggestions.

“This is just the beginning,” he said.

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Missing Florida diver found after multi-agency search

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Missing Florida diver found after multi-agency search


A diver who was reported missing near the Fort Pierce Inlet has been found dead, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Coast Guard received a mayday call around 11:30 a.m. June 27 about the missing diver. The Coast Guard then notified the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which deployed four boats to assist in the search, according to a social media post by the Sheriff’s Office. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office marine unit also responded.

Friends of the missing diver joined the search, departing from Fort Pierce Inlet around 1 p.m.

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The search, which included aerial support from the Coast Guard and FWC, focused on an area about six to seven miles north-northeast of the Fort Pierce Inlet, near Avalon State Park.

Around 4:10 p.m., the group of civilian divers entered the water and located the missing diver at the bottom of the ocean in about 55 feet of water. The diver was recovered and pronounced dead.

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The body was transported to Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is investigating the incident.

No additional information is available at this time.

This story was created by Colleen Wixon, colleen.wixon@tcpalm.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

Colleen Wixon is the Indian River County government watchdog reporter for TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers.

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Florida Lottery Mega Millions, Jackpot Triple Play results for June 26, 2026

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Florida Lottery Mega Millions, Jackpot Triple Play results for June 26, 2026


The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots.

Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Friday, June 26, 2026.

Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 26 drawing

05-13-30-33-52, Mega Ball: 06

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Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Jackpot Triple Play numbers from June 26 drawing

09-12-15-25-30-38

Check Jackpot Triple Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from June 26 drawing

Midday: 05-11-19-27-31

Evening: 17-24-29-34-35

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Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 26 drawing

Morning: 11

Matinee: 08

Afternoon: 14

Evening: 03

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Late Night: 01

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

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Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

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Winning Pick 2 numbers from June 26 drawing

Midday: 2-7, FB: 1

Evening: 3-5, FB: 8

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 26 drawing

Midday: 2-8-7, FB: 1

Evening: 7-0-4, FB: 8

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from June 26 drawing

Midday: 3-4-9-0, FB: 1

Evening: 4-2-7-4, FB: 8

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from June 26 drawing

Midday: 0-5-3-4-6, FB: 1

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Evening: 7-0-0-4-5, FB: 8

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

  • Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
  • Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
  • Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.

You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.

Florida law requires public disclosure of winners

If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:

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  • Full name
  • City of residence
  • Game won
  • Date won
  • Amount won
  • Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.

When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
  • Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
  • Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



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