Tampa Bay Lightning Face Tough Challenge Against Predators

The Tampa Bay Lightning face a tough challenge as they head to the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville to do battle with captain Shea Weber and the Nashville Predators.

The Tampa Bay Lightning definitely had a challenge in front of them on Saturday night when they took on the Buffalo Sabres at the Amalie Arena. Having already lost two games in a row, the Lightning had a reputation to uphold. Last season, the Tampa Bay Lightning never lost more than two games in a row. Thankfully, a late Power Play goal from Alex Killorn lifted the Lightning past the Sabres and the Bolts legacy is still intact.

While the Tampa Bay Lightning may have overcome the obstacle set before them on Saturday night, they have yet another challenge to overcome on Tuesday night. The Tampa Bay Lightning set out on the road headed for the Bridgestone Arena to take on captain Shea Weber and the Nashville Predators.

The Nashville Predators are one of those teams who always seem to have the number of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Last season, the Predators brought home the victory in both encounters they had with the Bolts. Unfortunately for the Lightning, the same thing can be said about the two encounters they had in the 2015-16 preseason.

In the five games they’ve played so far this season, the Predators have only experienced the bitter taste of defeat one time. The difference between the teams the Predators have already faced this season don’t have quite the offensive power the Tampa Bay Lightning possesses.

Out of the 21 players on the Tampa Bay Lightning’s roster, 12 of those players have scored at least one goal in the five games the Lightning has already played this season. Leading the way in goals is Lightning captain Steven Stamkos with four goals and an assist for a total of 5 points. There is a new team leader when it comes to points. Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Jonathan Drouin has a goal and five assists for a total of six points.

Initially, we were a little apprehensive about pairing Drouin with the captain on the Lightning’s top line; however, as the season progresses Drouin has definitely held to his word about making an impact on the Tampa Bay Lightning this season. Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Drouin are well on their way to becoming the Lightning’s new dynamic duo.

There is one player in the Nashville Predators lineup the Tampa Bay Lightning should pay close attention to when they take the ice on Tuesday night. Predators right wing James Neal scored two of the Predators 4-3 shootout victory over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night. Both of those goals came while the Predators were on the Power Play. Given the way the Lightning’s special teams has suffered lately, this could be a matter of great concern for the Bolts.

There is a possibility the Bolts Nation may be getting some good news at some point tomorrow. As some of you are already aware, the Lightning has reassigned defenseman Slater Koekkoek to the Syracuse Crunch. Given the fact that Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman has said he is feeling better after his run in with the boards on October 15^th against the Dallas Stars, there is a possibility he may be able to return to action against the Predators. Unfortunately, this will more than likely be a decision made closer to game time.

The Tampa Bay Lightning has the ability both offensively and defensively to take on a team like the Nashville Predators. At the same time, their minds are going to have to be on the ice and the special teams is going to have to kick things up a notch if they want to take on a team as offensively-minded and currently successful as the Nashville Predators.

The puck is set to drop at 8:00 p.m. EST at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Are you ready to Be The Thunder for your Tampa Bay Lightning as they head deep into Predators territory? We know we are!

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