Lightning rally late to defeat Predators, 3-2

Tampa Bay comes back from an early deficit to win at home

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:18am

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The Tampa Bay Lightning overcame an early one-goal deficit to the Nashville Predators, scoring three unanswered goals in the third period to win 3-2 at home. Joakim Kemell opened the scoring for the Predators, but Jake Guentzel tied it up in the second period. Brandon Hagel, Corey Perry, and a late goal from Filip Forsberg made up the scoring in the final frame as the Lightning rallied to take the victory.

Why it matters

The win moves the Lightning to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Carolina Hurricanes but holding the tiebreaker. With the Montreal Canadiens also winning, the Lightning's lead over the first team out of the playoff race remains at 12 points, inching them closer to clinching a postseason berth.

The details

Kemell's first career goal gave the Predators an early 1-0 lead, but Guentzel tied it up in the second period. In the third, Hagel, Perry, and Forsberg traded goals, with Perry's tally proving to be the game-winner for the Lightning. Tampa Bay limited Nashville to just two high-danger chances in the final frame, with goaltender Jonas Johansson making 26 saves in the victory.

  • Joakim Kemell scored the opening goal for the Predators in the first period.
  • Jake Guentzel tied the game at 1-1 in the second period.
  • Brandon Hagel, Corey Perry, and Filip Forsberg scored in the third period to decide the 3-2 final.

The players

Joakim Kemell

Nashville Predators forward who scored the opening goal of the game.

Jake Guentzel

Tampa Bay Lightning forward who scored the game-tying goal in the second period.

Brandon Hagel

Tampa Bay Lightning forward who scored the go-ahead goal in the third period.

Corey Perry

Tampa Bay Lightning forward who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Filip Forsberg

Nashville Predators forward who scored a late goal to make it a one-goal game.

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What’s next

The Lightning will look to continue their strong play and maintain their position atop the Eastern Conference standings as the regular season winds down.

The takeaway

The Lightning's comeback victory showcases their resilience and ability to respond to early deficits, an important trait as they push towards the playoffs. The win also keeps them in a tight race with the Hurricanes for the top spot in the East.