By Jake Ricker
The Lightning played in their second preseason game as they took on the Nashville Predators. Here is the lineup the Lightning had on the ice for the second preseason game.
Stamkos-Point-Kucherov
Perry-Paul-Killorn
Koepke-Usau-Barre-Boulet
Walcott-Mismash-Labrie
Hedman-Perbix
Day-Raddysh
Carlile-Thompson
Elliott
1st Period
The Lightning got off to a strong start with a few chances early, including a shot from Sean Day that was stopped by Nashville. Kucherov wanted to show he was already in postseason form as he made a great move to get through multiple Nashville defenders and get a shot on net. Brian Elliott also made his name known, stopping Nashville's early chances.
Both teams would pick up a few chances. as time ticked away in the first. Jack Thompson stood out the most for the Lightning, having made a nice defensive play and showed off his powerful slapshot that created a scoring chance for the Lightning. The Lightning would then get a chance on the power play as Nashville was called for interference.
The Predators would open the scoring as Niederreiter beat Elliott top shelf on a breakaway, giving them a 1-0 lead. Each team would pick up a few more chances before the end of the period but we would head into the second with the Lightning trailing by one.
2nd Period
The Lightning came out strong early in the second period, and they would be rewarded as Nashville was called for a double minor high-stick. Unfortunately, it looks like the Lightning still need some time to work on the power play as they were unable to score on the four-minute man advantage.
Both teams continued to go back and forth, but neither was able to get much going. Elliott and Lankinen held their ground and kept this a one-goal game. Steven Stamkos then had a late breakaway chance, but his shot would ring off the post. Corey Perry then got annoyed and dropped the gloves wrestling down his opponent. Perry would pick up an extra two minutes sending Nashville to the power play that would mostly care over into the second.
3rd Period
The Lightning got things off to a quick start with Killorn coming in a breakaway, but he was unable to put the puck in the back of the net. Elliott then continued to shut down Nashville and keep the Lightning down by just one. The Lightning then got another power play opportunity as Nashville was called for a hook. Unfortunately, this power play was short-lived as Killorn would be called for a penalty of his own.
Both penalties would then expire, and 5-on-5 play resumed. The Lightning kept on pushing for that tying goal, but Lankinen stood tall and continued to play well, keeping Nashville up by one. Elliott also did his part as well and did not let Nashville put a bow on the game just quite yet.
Unfortunately, Elliott couldn't hold them off forever, and Leonard fired a shot from a tough angle to make it 2-0 Nashville. The Lightning would get a few more looks with the net empty, but Nashville would close this one out and get the win.
Final thoughts
There was not much to write home about in this game, but Elliott did play well and kept the Lightning in the game. Elliott continues to be a great backup for the Lightning heading into this season. Corey Perry was definitely awake for this game as he was involved in multiple plays and had a fight as well. While Fights aren't always the greatest thing in a preseason game, it's good to know Corey Perry is ready to go for the start of the season. Sean Day also had a few good defensive plays as well and is someone to keep your eye on.
The power play was perhaps the biggest disappointment as they were unable to score. The top line of Stamkos, Kucherov, Point and Hedman did get some good looks, but nothing ended up in the back of the net. The important thing to remember, though, is that this is still a preseason game, and everyone is looking to slowly get back to that NHL level.
Three Stars Via NHL.com
1. Kevin Lankinen (22 SV, 0 GA)
2. Nino Niederreiter (1G)
3. Ryan Johansen (1A)
The next preseason game will be on Friday, September 30th, against the Nashville Predators at 6:00 PM.
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