By The Lightning preseason opener was about more than a 2-1 win over Nashville. From a packed Thunder Alley to the familiar chill inside the arena, Tampa was breathing hockey again.
The real story started outside the arena
Most of the biggest moments surrounding Sunday’s preseason game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nashville Predators happened before anyone entered the arena.
It was the Lightning’s first preseason matchup and Tampa Bay’s first hockey since its 2025-26 season ended on May 3 with a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference First Round.
Boy, did the fans miss hockey or what?
It looked like the entire city showed up, even with the Buccaneers hosting the Cleveland Browns across town. The Bucs eventually lost 23-19, but neither football nor the Florida weather could keep Lightning fans away.
By 3:30 p.m., Thunder Alley was already packed. Fans walked around the plaza, took pictures, grabbed drinks, and participated in sponsor activations. Then the NHL Mascot of the Year appeared and had a serious autograph session for his fans.
Soon after that, the rain started.
No lightning strike before the puck dropped, though – at least not the kind everyone came to see. Because of the weather, fans were allowed inside a little earlier.
The arena is breathing hockey again
Inside, it was chilly. It smelled like hockey.
The preseason roster was surprisingly full of Tampa Bay heavyweights. Victor Hedman looked noticeably leaner. John Carlson barely moved during warmups and appeared completely collected. Nikita Kucherov vibed and went through his usual drills, while Andrei Vasilevskiy worked through his stretching routine.
Typical business for the players. Anything but typical for the fans.
Supporters filled the building with signs, banners, warmth and positivity. It already felt as if the regular season had begun.
The arena is breathing hockey again.
Ilya Mikheyev’s focused first impression
Ilya Mikheyev looked visibly nervous during warmups. He initially skated with everyone, then moved away from the group and worked with the puck on his own. He was extremely focused.
And honestly, who could blame him?
It must be nerve-racking to play alongside a three-time Art Ross Trophy winner, a two-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner and, simply, one of the best players in the world: Nikita Kucherov.
But Mikheyev handled the assignment.
He opened the scoring and generated several other opportunities throughout the game. The man worked hard in his first appearance wearing a Bolts jersey.
All the scoring came early
All three goals were scored in the opening period, which ended with the Lightning leading 2-1.
The game got spicier in the second period, even if it didn’t get more exciting offensively. The teams combined for 12 penalty minutes, with Tampa Bay holding a 10-2 advantage. Meanwhile, each side managed only three shots on goal, and the Lightning led 5-3 in hits.
For anyone who still didn’t believe Nikita Kucherov’s recent “faster but dumb” quote, there was more proof.
By the third period, the teams apparently decided to make things even. Each collected 14 penalty minutes as the preseason matchup grew increasingly physical.
Hockey is back – and that is what matters
Overall, it was not the greatest game ever played. It was preseason hockey, and at times it certainly looked like that.
But hockey is back.
At this point, that is all that really matters.
And do not forget this is a shorter preseason. Tampa Bay’s next home game is coming up quickly on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. against its in-state rival, the Florida Panthers.
It is chilling just thinking about that matchup.
Will it be another preseason game or the opening meeting of Fight Club?
