Editor's Note: The rescheduled October 7 Tampa Bay Lightning v Nashville Predators game has been cancelled in preparation for Hurricane Milton. The game was originally scheduled for September 27, but was rescheduled due to Hurricane Helene. We hope that everyone in impacted areas stays safe during this time.
Courtesy of Rebekah Mohrmann/Nashville Predators
Tonight, fans will flock to Amalie Arena to watch a preseason game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Nashville Predators. However, it won’t be an ordinary game. The Lightning’s former captain, Steven Stamkos, had been traded to Nashville this past summer. In this particular game, Stamkos will return to the Bay to face his former team in a Predators jersey.
Though the Lightning have been a force to be reckoned with, this past summer saw a massive change to their dynamic as leadership was placed into the hands of Victor Hedman. The team also has Nikita Kucherov, who continues to be capable of producing 100+ point seasons. Additionally, the Lightning have Brayden Point and Brandon Hagel, who have been valuable scorers in the past. Defense should also be very solid this season, with Ryan McDonagh back in the lineup and paired with Erik Černák. Regarding new additions, the Lightning picked up Jake Guentzel, who has already integrated himself as one of their best players. The team also added prospect Conor Geekie, who tallied 99 points in the Western Hockey League last season. Thus, to be back on top, it’s clear they must rely on familiar faces, as well as new ones.
Courtesy of the Tampa Bay Lightning
The Nashville Predators also saw a massive change to their dynamic this past summer. The Predators signed Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, both Stanley Cup champions. The team also signed Brady Skjei, who has lots of playoff experience. They also re-signed their longtime goalie Juuse Saros to a multi-year deal. The Predators are still under the steady leadership of their captain, Roman Josi, who has been in that role for the past seven seasons. After an early first-round exit in the playoffs last year, their offseason moves made it clear that the Predators are looking to become contenders this season, rather than being swept under the radar. This season, they have a legitimate top line and should be dominant in the power play. According to The Hockey News, the Predators are expected to finish second in the Central Division.
Courtesy of the Nashville Predators
During the preseason last week, fans got a taste of these two powerful teams in action. The Lightning were ranked 12th overall in the Eastern Conference preseason standings, having gone 2-2-1. The Nashville Predators were also ranked 12th overall in the Western Conference preseason standings, having gone 2-2-0. Both teams were on a win streak until they faced each other in Nashville last week. The Predators shut out the Lightning in a dramatic fashion, winning 6-0.
Courtesy of Kim Klement Neitzel/USA TODAY Sports
The preseason is just a glimpse of what’s to come, and there’s no telling what will happen when the two teams face each other in Tampa tonight. This game is going to be a memorable one, as Tampa fans will get to see their former captain and their team enter new eras on opposite sides of the ice. Nashville fans will also get to see how their newly rebuilt roster stacks up against a former dynasty. As the old meets the new, the result is sure to be some good hockey.
Edited by Jenna Mandarano
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