Tampa Bay Lightning vs Nashville Predators Picks and Predictions October 28th 2024

Steven Stamkos Returns to Tampa with Predators for Highly Anticipated Matchup

The Nashville Predators will experience an emotional clash as they visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night, with Steven Stamkos making his first return to Tampa since leaving the team. This marks the first matchup for Stamkos against his former team, ending an era for the Lightning and beginning a new chapter for the Predators.

Stamkos’ Legacy and Emotional Return

Steven Stamkos’ legacy with Tampa Bay is monumental. Over 16 seasons, he became one of the greatest players to don the Lightning’s blue and white, amassing 555 goals and 582 assists in 1,082 regular-season games. He was instrumental in leading the team to two Stanley Cups (2020, 2021) and won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy twice as the NHL’s top goal scorer. However, contract negotiations failed to materialize this summer, and Stamkos left for Nashville on a four-year, $32 million deal—twice the reported amount Tampa was willing to offer.

“It’s going to be tough emotionally,” Stamkos shared. “The relationships with everyone in Tampa, both inside and outside the rink, mean a lot to my family and me.” His presence as an ambassador for Tampa Bay hockey and his famous right-handed shot on the power play will certainly be missed by Lightning fans and teammates.

Predators’ Season Gains Momentum

While Stamkos has had a slow start in Nashville with only one goal and a minus-7 rating, the Predators are finding their rhythm after a rocky beginning to the season. Nashville has won three consecutive games against strong opponents like the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Columbus Blue Jackets, showing that the team is capable of bouncing back.

“These three games in four nights, especially on the road, are tough,” said Nashville’s Alexandre Carrier after their latest 4-3 OT win against Columbus. “It feels good to get on a winning streak, but it’s early.” The Predators are hoping Stamkos’ homecoming can fuel continued success and help him rediscover his scoring touch.

Lightning Adjust to Life Without Stamkos

Stamkos’ departure from Tampa has undeniably changed the team’s dynamic. Lightning coach Jon Cooper noted the shift in team chemistry and leadership. “It’s a little less strange each day, but initially, it felt different not having him at camp,” Cooper said. Stamkos’ absence has left a void, but it’s also provided other players an opportunity to step up.

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With the veteran gone, the Lightning have seen a rise in “collaborative voices,” which Cooper believes has the potential to build a resilient squad. Lightning rookie Conor Geekie, 20, recently scored his first NHL goal in Saturday’s 3-0 win over the Washington Capitals, giving Tampa Bay a promising spark as they adapt to the new lineup.

Key Players and Game Outlook

• Steven Stamkos (Predators): Stamkos is the player to watch as he faces his former team. While he has yet to hit his stride in Nashville, his emotional return and familiarity with the Lightning’s defense could reignite his game.
• Alexandre Carrier (Predators): Carrier has been an anchor for Nashville, and his contributions during their recent winning streak are invaluable, particularly in back-to-back tough matchups.
• Conor Geekie (Lightning): The 20-year-old’s first goal has electrified the Lightning bench, and his continued growth could add an unexpected advantage to Tampa Bay’s lineup.
• Tampa Bay’s Defense: With Stamkos no longer the power-play sniper in blue and white, the Lightning defense will face the challenge of containing him without the insight of having him as a teammate.

Game Prediction

Both teams are adapting to their new routines, but with Stamkos back, Nashville may have a slight advantage in this game. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay’s robust defense and the recent surge in performance from new players such as Geekie suggest that the game will probably be closely fought. Stamkos’ return to his hometown may be the deciding element, as his leadership and scoring ability could provide the boost Nashville requires to achieve a victory and keep moving up in the rankings.