(NHL Regular Season — Nashville Predators vs Tampa Bay Lightning, March 29, 2026)
In a tightly contested NHL matchup on March 29, 2026, the Tampa Bay Lightning edged the Nashville Predators with a 3–2 victory at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. The win extended Tampa Bay’s impressive point streak and reinforced their position atop the Atlantic Division standings, while the Predators continued their late‑season push for a wild‑card spot.
Final Score
- Tampa Bay Lightning: 3
- Nashville Predators: 2
Game Summary
This highly competitive battle saw momentum swing multiple times before the Lightning ultimately prevailed. Tampa Bay’s Corey Perry scored the go‑ahead goal in the third period, capitalizing on a rebound play to break a 2–2 tie and give the Lightning the advantage they would not relinquish. Jake Guentzel was a key contributor with one goal and two assists, fueling Tampa Bay’s offensive production. Brandon Hagel also scored, matching his career‑high goal total for the season. Lightning goalie Jonas Johansson made 29 saves, including several critical stops late in the game.
Nashville’s effort was led by veteran Filip Forsberg, who tallied a goal and an assist, and Joakim Kemell, who scored his first NHL goal in the matchup. Defenseman Justin Barron notched an assist in his 200th NHL game, adding a milestone moment for the Predators.
Key Moments & Turning Points
- Second Period Response: After Tampa Bay took an early lead, the Predators rallied in the second period, with Forsberg’s goal tying the game and energizing Nashville’s push.
- Perry’s Game‑Winner: Corey Perry’s decisive goal came in the third period, capitalizing on a rebound and showcasing Tampa Bay’s knack for clutch scoring late in close contests.
- Late Defensive Stand: The Lightning’s defense and goaltending held strong in the closing minutes as Nashville pressed for an equalizer, preserving Tampa Bay’s one‑goal advantage.
Team Impact
With this win, the Lightning extend their point streak to eight games and continue to jockey with the top of the Atlantic Division, keeping pace with Buffalo and other contenders. Tampa Bay’s depth scoring and ability to win close games have been pivotal during this stretch.
For the Predators, the loss marked their third straight defeat, a setback in their bid to secure a playoff spot. Despite generating opportunities and showing resilience, Nashville struggled to contain Tampa Bay’s timely finishes and could not capitalize in the final frame.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will now turn their focus to upcoming matchups as the regular season winds toward its climax. Tampa Bay aims to maintain its divisional lead and home‑ice positioning, while Nashville looks to rebound quickly and regain momentum in the crowded wild‑card race
