By Jake Ricker
The Tampa Bay Lightning skated in their first game of the 2023-24 regular season against the Nashville Predators. Here are how the lines looked for opening night.
Stamkos-Point-Kucherov
Hagel-Cirelli-Motte
Eyssimont-Paul-Sheary
Jeannot-Glendening-Merela
Hedman-Perbix
Sergachev-Raddysh
de Haan-Cernak
Johansson
Here are the biggest takeaways from the Lightning's 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators in their season opener.
Fast Start
The Lightning came out of the gates swinging. The offense quickly jumping on top of pucks and getting shots on net. The Defense also started off well, allowing just two shots on net. The low shot on net total was essential, with new netminder Johnas Johnannson getting time to settle into the game.
The Lightning started on time and were rewarded after Kucherov got the first goal of the 2023-24 NHL season. The Lightning sometimes struggled last season at getting off to a strong start and would fall too far behind to come back. This was not the case in game one.
Jonas Johansson
After an impressive preseason, all eyes were on Johansson to see if his game would translate into the regular season. It's safe to say his play translated. While it wasn't a perfect shutout performance, Johansson made some big saves when the going got tough.
Two of the goals he let in were great shots that would challenge any goaltender, and even then, three goals against is not a bad stat line. The one goal you would maybe like to see him stop is the one at the start of the Third Period when Nashville got a fast break. Overall, it's a good game from Johansson, and as of now, we are seeing the higher end of his potential.
Power Play
Without Alex Killorn, many wondered how the power play would look. Nick Paul took Killorn's spot, and he did not disappoint. Paul scored twice and did a great job of fighting for position and grabbing rebounds that came to him.
The Power play overall had good movement and took shots when the time was right. There was just one play where the Lightning took way too many passes, but we have almost come to expect it at this point. Hedman quarterbacked the top unit, but Sergechev did come on with that top unit in the third, so don't be surprised to see Cooper continue to change between Hedman and Sergachev until he finds who works best. It's a good problem to have.
Final thoughts
A fun game to start the season. The Lightning offense was out in full force, Paul looked great on the power play, and Hagel got a Penalty shot goal, which is always fun. Johansson was also solid in net, making some big saves. The defense and the Bolts, in general, fell asleep in the second and part of the third. They did lock it down, though, in the final minutes. Overall, it's great to be back!
Three Stars
Media's Three Stars
Paul (2G, 1A)
Point (3A)
Hagel (1G)
Our Three Stars
Paul (2G, 1A)
Point (3A)
Kucherov (2G)
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