The Lightning and Predators played a tightly contested game with both teams going back and forth, and both teams were able to stay disciplined with only 5 total penalties called in the game. Both Domingue and Rinne played well shutting down their opponent’s offense. This game came down to the wire and despite the outcome a thrilling game it was. Let’s see how we got here period by period.

First Period

The Bolts got off to a good start looking to get an early go-ahead goal. The Bolts would get an early chance on the power play as Roman Josi was called for cross-checking. The Preds shut down the Bolts offence as the Bolts struggled to get any quality chances. The Bolts quickly turned things around though and just a few minutes later Victor Hedman sniped one right into the back of the net giving the Bolts an early 1-0 lead. The Preds looked to quickly respond as they then grabbed a few shots on goal but were stopped by Domingue. The Preds controlled the puck for the majority of the time racking up the shots on  Domingue. The Bolts then put themselves on the edge as Hedman was called for slashing. The Bolts did not do themselves any favors though as McDonagh was then called for holding to make it a 5 on 3. The Bolts would successfully kill off the first penalty but it was Kyle Turris who put one past Domingue to tie this game. Both teams then played an evenly fought game with both teams picking up a few more shots. Both netminders though made sure this game would remain tied heading into the second period.

Goals: 1-1

Shots: 17-6 Nashville

Second Period

The Bolts got off to a quick start getting some shots on goal and controlling the puck. The pace of this game then quickly rose as both teams went back and forth getting chance after chance. Both netminders were on their game though as they turned everything thrown at them away. The Preds then picked up a little momentum and started to get some shots in on Domingue. During the pressure, Anthony Cirelli was bumped and as he fell to the ice and took a puck to the face. Luckily he stayed on the bench and looked to be ok. Immediately following the blocked shot the Preds nearly scored one as Salomaki threw one on the net and the puck snuck past Domingue but just stopped before it crossed the line. The Preds kept pushing though and they would be rewarded as Forsberg came in on the right wing and flung one past Domingue for a 2-1 lead. Both teams played a very disciplined game with neither team taking a penalty in the first half of the period. The preds continued their pressure as they controlled the puck. Ryan Johansen then tipped one past Domingue to give the preds a 2 goal lead. The Bolts could just not get the preds under control but would finally get a break as Anthony Bitetto was called for interference, giving the Bolts the first power play of the period. The Bolts would fail to convert on the power play as they failed to get much going. The Bolts were not about to head into the third down 2 though. The Bolts kept on pushing looking to get back in this game. The Bolts then thought they scored as Killorn lifted one home but was quickly shut down as he was called for tripping which meant the play was dead when he touched the puck. The Bolts would kill nearly all of the penalty before the end of the period with just a few seconds remaining.

Goals: 3-1 Nashville

Shots: 29-17 Nashville

Third Period

The Bolts killed the remaining seconds of the penalty and got back to full strength. The Bolts picked up a few more shots but still could not get on the board. The Bolts never game up though and would be rewarded. Point slid the puck to Kucherov who came in all alone and faked out Rinne to make this a one-goal game. The Bolts then continued to play a much better game controlling the puck and getting a few chances here and there. The Preds could not maintain a good attack for the next few minuted until they were finally able to even things out. Both teams went back and fourth as they both were back to playing at a high level. Time began to wind down and neither netminder was bending. Kucherov then had a huge chance as he found himself all alone in front of the net but he was robbed by Rinne keeping the Preds up by 1. The Bolts kept on pushing looking to tie this game but the Preds matched their intensity by grabbing a few shots on goal of their own. The Bolts could just not find the back of the net so with under 2 min to Domingue would head to the bench to get the extra skater on. The Bolts then threw everything they had at the preds but Rinne somehow turned them away. Then with seconds to go Hedman blasted one that flew over Rinne and was trickling in before a predator defender swiped it away just before point could get to it. Despite all the Chances the Preds would hold on to win the game.

Goals: 3-2 Nashville

Shots: 34-30 Nashville

3 Stars

1. Ryan Johansen (1G, 1A)
2. Mattias Ekholm (2A)
3.  Brayden Point (2A)

Up Next and Final Strike

The Bolts played a decent game tonight despite the loss. Special teams did not get much of a chance to shine but the defense was able to play well for the most part. The Bolts stayed out of the box which was an improvement from last time out despite the Preds getting one on the power play. Both Domingue and Rinne played well stealing the show multiple times. The big issue here was that the Bolts let the Preds outshoot them in both the first and the second (where the Bolts normally come back in the second). This was a close game played by the two best teams in the league so there is no need to panic here. Make some adjustments and look for the Bolts to get back in the win collum.

The Bolts will look to bounce back as they take on the Florida Panthers Wednesday, November 21st at 7:30 PM at Amalie Arena.