Despite icing most of their starting lineup for the 2023-24 season, the Nashville Predators fell just short of getting their first preseason victory, falling 2-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning in overtime.
Even though it’s preseason, it’s a bit concerning that the Predators managed just one goal against a Tampa Bay Lightning team largely playing their non-starters and depth players. None of their core star players played in this game.
Be that as it may, the Predators are a work-in-progress under first year Head Coach Andrew Brunette, who is employing a brand new offensive philosophy while also introducing first year players with Nashville along with some inexperience in the lineup.
In other words, a lot of moving parts here and it’s not all going to come together magically in the third preseason game. And really, this was more like the first real preseason game, with the opening two games being a split squad doubleheader and felt much more like a scrimmage.
This was much more like the first dress rehearsal to 2023-24 for the Nashville Predators, and yes they have a lot to work on and iron out. Here’s five standout players from last night’s loss to the Lightning.