Predators Face Lightning in Crucial Late-Season Matchup

Nashville looks to bounce back from recent loss as Tampa Bay fights for playoff positioning.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:22am

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The Nashville Predators (34-29-9) will travel to Tampa Bay to take on the Lightning (44-21-6) in a key late-season NHL matchup on Sunday. The Predators are coming off a 4-2 loss to the Devils, while the Lightning are looking to rebound from a 4-3 defeat against the Kraken.

Why it matters

This game has major playoff implications, as both teams are jockeying for position in the crowded Eastern Conference. The Predators need a win to keep their postseason hopes alive, while the Lightning are fighting to secure home-ice advantage.

The details

The Predators have struggled offensively of late, converting just 2 of 18 shots in their last game. They'll need to find their scoring touch against a tough Lightning defense that has allowed the 8th-fewest goals in the league. Tampa Bay, meanwhile, will look to its power play to provide a spark after going 1-for-1 with the man advantage in their previous outing.

  • The game is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026.
  • Nashville is coming off a 4-2 loss to the Devils on their previous outing.
  • Tampa Bay most recently fell to the Kraken by a score of 4-3.

The players

Justus Annunen

The Predators' starting goaltender, who has a .896 save percentage and 3.17 goals-against average in his NHL career.

Jonas Johansson

The Lightning's expected starting netminder, who has a .888 save percentage and 3.42 goals-against average over his career.

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What they’re saying

“We need to find a way to generate more offense and capitalize on our opportunities. That's going to be key against a team like Tampa Bay.”

— John Hynes, Head Coach, Nashville Predators

“Our power play has been a strength for us all season, and we'll need it to come up big again if we want to take down a tough opponent like Nashville.”

— Jon Cooper, Head Coach, Tampa Bay Lightning

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a big step towards securing a favorable playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

This late-season clash between the Predators and Lightning promises to be a hard-fought, high-stakes affair as both teams look to bolster their postseason chances down the stretch.