Predlines' daily coverage is back for the 2026-27 season, and what better way to start than with an exciting 5-4 shootout victory for the Nashville Predators over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The game was overshadowed by Nikita Kucherov's trade request, which was even more ironic because he faced off against Steven Stamkos for the opening puck drop, another former Lightning legend who felt disrespected by the organization.
The Lightning entered the game having lost two of their past three, while the Predators were also on a two-game losing streak. It was a big win on Saturday afternoon to halt the skid against a great Eastern Conference team, especially in a game where they could give Juuse Saros some rest, with Justus Annunen doing just enough to lead the team to victory. Here are three takeaways from the victory at Bridgestone.
Nicolas Hague's healthy scratch paid off
It's been an ugly season for Nicolas Hague, including a 41.6 CF% and 41.8 xGF%. In simpler terms, the Predators have also been outscored 10-3 when the towering defenseman is on the ice. He is a physical presence on the backend, something every team needs, but the bad has been outweighing the good thus far.
Andrew Brunette has kept Hague in the lineup by dressing 11 forwards and seven defensemen, but every coach would rather run a more traditional 12/6 setup. It was clear that four complete lines served the Predators well on Saturday afternoon, which will make it difficult to get Hague back in the lineup. There is always a market for a defenseman like Hague, and you have to wonder if Chris MacFarland will start shopping his $5.5 million annual contract.
With Hague out, Reid Schaefer returned to the lineup and made an immediate impact with the game's opening goal. Fans would like to see the former first-round pick get a chance to play every game, and having 12 forwards in the lineup helps that.
Steven Stamkos steps up against old team
The box score says Stamkos had a tough game with a -2 rating, but it wasn't as bad as that might suggest. The veteran was one of the team's top forwards with a 66.5% xGF, and he showed up when it mattered most with the tying goal late in the third period and then the eventual shootout winner.
Andrew Brunette said he leaned over to Steven Stamkos, knowing Stamkos' familiarity with TBL goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, and asked if he wanted Nashville's fourth shootout attempt.
— Russell Vannozzi (@RussellV_MSP) October 31, 2026
"He said, 'Yeah, I've got it.' That tells you all you need to know." pic.twitter.com/6CzEaZDRtJ
With rumors swirling about the Lightning and the way they treat their aging stars, with Stamkos and now Kucherov having bitter ends to their tenures, it’s interesting to see the Predators’ forward elevate his game whenever he plays them.
Adam Edstrom is proving to be a savvy addition
There is still something to be said for a massive power forward who can contribute offensively, even as the league moves away from that style of play. MacFarland's acquisition of Adam Edstrom in exchange for a fifth-round pick and Massimo Rizzo has been one of the best moves of his early tenure.
Nashville Predators Box WAR • 10/31
— Hockey Stats (@HockeyStatBot) October 31, 2026
Final Score (SO): NSH 5, TBL 4 pic.twitter.com/GJcP9PMUVm
Edstrom was second on the team in Hockey Stats’ Goals Above Replacement statistic on Saturday afternoon and led the team in goal creation. Not bad for a fourth-liner.
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