A return to home for Tanner Jeannot did not go the Lightning’s way as Juuse Saros helped Nashville end Tampa’s two-game winning streak. Not only was tonight Jeannot’s first game back in Nashville since the trade, but it was also his 200th game played. While the game was promising at first, it quickly became a game of catch-up that Tampa could not keep up with. Despite many chances to score Saros remained a brick wall in the net to shut down the Lightning offense. Lack of production on the man-advantage and a near non-existent penalty kill contributed to the loss.
Jeannot’s first game back since the trade
Nick Paul won the opening face-off, and the Lightning went to work. In the opening minutes it looked like the Predators opened up the scoring, but the puck somehow stayed out. A 2-on-1 chance then formed for Tampa, but it was saved by Juuse Saros. Three minutes went by with the game remaining scoreless. Then, Nashville tried to cash in on a Steven Stamkos turnover but the shot by Tomasino was saved by Johansson. As the period went on tempers flared yet no penalty was called. During the commercial break, Tanner Jeannot was given a tribute as this was his first game back in Nashville since being traded to the Lightning.
Keeping the pressure leads to a goal
Next, Lightning went on the power play after Michael McCarron is called for hi-sticking on Alex Barre-Boulet. Sloppy puck handling allowed the Predators to have a prime scoring opportunity on the penalty kill but it was again saved. Power play was a quiet one leaving the game scoreless with half the period to go. Rebounding from the terrible power play was the Lightning as they continuously attacked the net while keeping possession of the puck. They would then be rewarded for their pressure with a goal from Alex Barre-Boulet.
LET 👏 THEM 👏 COOK
This line is heating up 👀 pic.twitter.com/sEBCKcG7u1
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) December 8, 2023
Predators answer back
Afterwards, Nashville went on the power play after Steven Stamkos is called for holding the stick. Forsberg then scores on the power play, but the goal is called off for goalie interference. Predators opted to not challenge the call keeping the score 1-0. However, Jusso Parssinen scores on the power play to even up the score late in the period and this one would count. Predators made a late push to try and take the lead before the period ended but it was to no avail.
Nashville finds a pair of goals
Period began with an array of shots from both sides of the ice. Both goalies played well to keep the puck out of the net as the tone was much different than the start of the game. Predators went on the power play for a second time after Brandon Hagel is called for hi sticking. Quickly, on the power play Filip Forsberg tips in the puck past Johansson to give the Predators a 2-1 lead. Nasville kept the pressure going and added to their lead. This time Ryan McDonagh scores making it 3-1 with the Lightning heading to the power play shortly after the goal was scored.
Saros remains sturdy in net
It was a much better power play this time around for the Lightning despite not scoring. Nikita Kucherov had a puck go off the post with no rebound chance to be had. Momentum continued to be with Nashville winning a majority of the puck battles in the period. With 9:30 left Lightning went on the power play for the third time. Once again, Lightning come up empty handed on the man advantage keeping the score 3-1 Predators. Saros remained on fire denying the Lightning on prime chances. Late in the period Lightning went on their third power play in a row with 1:19 to go. Period ends with the same old song and dance. Lightning continues to struggle on the man advantage and Nashville maintains control of the puck and momentum.
Adding to the frustration
Early on Nashville would get a power play opportunity as Barre-Boulet is sent off for slashing. For the first time tonight, the Lightning killed off a penalty and looked to get back into the game. After a face-off win, Roman Josi scores to extend the lead 4-1 with a little over 13 min to go. Saros continued to shut down the Lightning who were desperate to get the offense going before the game became a lost cause. Adding to the frustration Austin Watson and Cole Smith drop the gloves with Watson getting the best of Smith.
Next up, Seattle
Both were given fighting majors and soon after Johansson was pulled with over 7 minutes to go. Unfortunately, Yakov Trenin scored on the empty net extending the already large lead to 5-1. Saros and Nashville’s defense ended up being too much for Tampa to handle. Predators went on to win 5-1 ending the Lightning’s winning streak. With the victory Nashville extended their win streak to three games. Road trips begins 0-1 with a trip to Seattle up next.
Three stars of the game
1st Star: Ryan McDonagh – 1 goal and 1 assist
2nd Star: Juuse Saros – Saved 29 of 30 shots faced
3rd Star: Roman Josi – 1 goal and 1 assist
