The Tampa Bay Lightning arrive in Nashville feeling a little lighter — and a lot more confident — after a hard-fought, tense game that took extra time to decide a winner.  The Lightning will take on the Predators hoping to convert momentum into consistency early in the season after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 2-1 in overtime. 

 Although the victory over Vegas wasn’t particularly noteworthy, it was the kind of outcome that any contender hopes for: timely goalkeeping, defensive discipline, and a standout finisher to seal the victory.  As a reminder that Tampa Bay is dangerous when they tighten up in the crease and on the neutral zone, Nikita Kucherov scored the game-winning goal in overtime, and Andrei Vasilevskiy recorded 18 saves to record his first victory of the 2025–26 season.

Tampa Bay has been looking for momentum to end a run of inconsistent results, and their record currently stands in the lower-middle of the early-season standings (3-4-2).  The team has demonstrated its ability to play low-scoring games, which is helpful in the NHL since games frequently go to the team with the fewest mistakes.  The Lightning’s recent overtime victory indicates that they still have the clutch players needed to convert close games into points, even though their goal differential of -4 suggests they could do better offensively.

On the other bench, the Nashville Predators have been solid at Bridgestone Arena, with a respectable home record and a physical, penalty-heavy style that frequently disrupts opponents.  Nashville’s overall record of 4-4-2 indicates that the team is capable of producing results but needs to improve its consistency.  The Predators also rank near the top of the league in penalties drawn and taken, making special teams a must-see matchup when these two teams meet.

Matchups to watch

Special teams: Tampa Bay’s ability to kill penalties and score on the power play will be critical.  Nashville’s physical approach puts teams in the box, and if the Lightning can maintain discipline, they will neutralize one of the Predators’ advantages. 

 Netminders: If Vasilevskiy maintains his form, Tampa Bay can rely on low-scoring victories.  Nashville’s goaltending and defensive structure, on the other hand, must be sharp in order to stifle Tampa’s top lines.  The previous game demonstrated Vasilevskiy’s ability to make a difference when he is focused.

Depth scoring: Tampa Bay’s stars will always be the focus, but games like the one against Vegas highlight how important secondary contributions are — whether it’s a crash-in goal or a timely defensive play that sparks a breakout.  Expect both teams to press their key players into action.

What this game means

The Lightning’s trip to Nashville represents an opportunity to string together consecutive victories and erase the inconsistency that has plagued the team early on.  A road victory over a tough Predators squad would provide a significant confidence boost and validate some of the coaching staff’s tactical shifts in recent games.  Nashville’s goal is to defend home ice and ensure that their preferred physical style does not cost them opportunities at even strength.

Bottom line

This should be a close, competitive game — possibly low-scoring, likely physical, with special teams playing a significant role in the outcome.  With Tampa Bay riding high off an overtime victory and Nashville defending its home turf, expect a game decided by goaltending saves and a single moment of brilliance.  If Kucherov and Vasilevskiy repeat their performance against Vegas, the Lightning could leave Nashville with two more points.  If Nashville’s structure and energy establish the tone early, the Predators will make the Lightning work for every inch.