The Bolts open the preseason 2-0 after rallying in the third period to defeat the Predators

In Tuesday's preseason game at Bridgestone Arena against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a more seasoned Nashville Predators roster was showcasing its experience with roughly five minutes left in the second period.

Nashville enjoyed a 2-0 lead and a 22-8 shot-on-goal advantage against the Lightning, but a late surge in the second period gave the visiting bench a boost—Tampa Bay finished the middle session with eight of the final nine shots on goal.

After that, Tampa Bay dominated the Predators in the third period, matched the score with two goals from new players to the team, and won the shootout to advance to 2-0-0 this preseason. The Lightning's preseason win total from the previous season has already been matched.

Jakob Pelletier, who scored the game-winning goal on Tuesday, stated, "I think we came out strong in the first." "I believe they pushed in the second... However, I believe we played well in the third period, scoring two significant goals and winning handily.

A large portion of Nashville's roster, including Juuse Saros beginning in goal, was expected for the NHL opening night.

Moving forward after a Tampa Bay turnover two minutes and thirteen seconds into the second period, Brady Martin started the scoring. At 4:42, he scored his second goal of the evening on a power play with a one-timed shot from the inside right hashmark.

Before the Lightning answered with eight of the final nine shots to regain some momentum, Nashville had the first 13 shots on goal in the second period.

Sam O'Reilly, one of the more recent additions to the Lightning organization, put the visitors within striking distance in the third period with the 2-1 goal. With 10:32 left in the third period, O'Reilly, who was camped close to the net, deflected a shot sent by Oliver Bjorkstrand from the blue line.

On Tuesday, Tampa Bay used more prospects than their opponent, including the recently acquired O'Reilly.

After being acquired in an offseason trade, the Edmonton Oilers' 2024 first-round selection pick was making his Lightning preseason debut. He won a team-best ten face-offs, had one shot on goal, and contributed the team's first goal of the game in his 22:06 on-ice time.

Pelletier led Tampa Bay with five shots on goal on Tuesday and is looking for an NHL roster spot this season after agreeing to a three-year contract with the Lightning this offseason.

With two minutes and three seconds left in regulation, he knotted the score. Pelletier tapped the ball past Nashville goalie Justus Annunen after defenseman Grant Spada surged into the right corner and sent a backhand pass to the crease.

After stopping 20 of 22 shots in the first two periods for Tampa Bay, goalie Brandon Halverson was replaced by Caleb Heil, a 2025 draft pick, who ended with seven saves and the victory.

In reference to the last weeks of Lightning development camp, a prospect tournament, and now training camp, Heil stated, "This is something to build on." "I've had a nice two weeks here, and I can use this to boost my confidence going into the season and continue to get better at the things I need to work on for a successful year."

In addition to denying Marchessault, Steven Stamkos, and Filip Forsberg's three Nashville shootout chances, Heil stopped Predators player Jonathan Marchessault on a breakaway at the end of OT.

It's obviously pretty awesome. You can sort of see who's approaching the bench. Heil remarked, "You kind of know how good of players they are and just kind of be in the moment there because I've watched those guys on TV all my life."

Boris Katchouk, who was originally selected by the Lightning in the second round of the 2016 NHL Draft and returned to the team as a free agent this summer, won the game in round three with a difficult backhand finish that gave him the shootout's lone goal.

The Lightning's home back-to-back series against the Carolina Hurricanes begins at 7 p.m. Friday at the International Arena as they continue their preseason action.

The Three Stars of Benjamin:

1. Boris Katchouk, TBL (winner of the shootout)

2. NSH's Brady Martin (2 goals)

3. Jakob Pelletier, TBL (five shots, game-tying goal)