Tampa Bay extends preseason record to 4-0-0 behind a perfect penalty kill and multi-point nights for Raddysh, Chaffee, and Hagel.
TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning continued their strong preseason form, defeating the Nashville Predators 4-1 on Saturday night at Benchmark International Arena, moving their exhibition record to a perfect 4-0-0. A dominant special teams performance, coupled with multi-point contributions from several key players, powered the victory in front of 14,228 fans.
Special Teams and Player Standouts
The Lightning’s special teams were the clear difference-maker. The team converted on two of seven power-play opportunities (2-7), with goals coming from Mitchell Chaffee and Brandon Hagel. The penalty kill was perfect, successfully neutralizing all five Predators power plays (5-5), which played a significant role in stifling Nashville’s offense despite the Lightning being outshot 29-17.
Defenseman Darren Raddysh was a standout on the night, scoring the game-opening goal at 5:34 of the first period for his first of the preseason. He also added an assist on Hagel’s power-play marker, giving him five points (2-3—5) to lead all Lightning skaters in preseason scoring. Raddysh rated a +2 and led the team in time on ice (22:20).
Mitchell Chaffee notched the eventual game-winning goal on the power play early in the second period, his second goal of the preseason. Brandon Hagel, making his 2025 preseason debut after a 90-point regular season, wasted no time contributing, tallying a power-play goal and an assist. Gage Goncalves also added an empty-net goal and an assist for a 1-1—2 night.
A Look at the Stats
Despite the decisive scoreline, the Lightning were forced to weather a significant shot disadvantage, being outshot 29-17 overall, including a 14-6 deficit in the second period alone. The Lightning’s goaltending and defense, however, held firm. In the faceoff circle, Tampa Bay maintained a slight edge, winning 54% of the draws (28/52).
The Lightning’s 4-0-0 start is a feat not accomplished since the 2013-14 preseason, and the team will now look to make history as they chase their first-ever 5-0-0 preseason record.
Upcoming Schedule
The Lightning have three preseason games remaining before the start of the regular season, including a back-to-back set against the Florida Panthers.
| DATE | OPPONENT | TIME (EST) |
| Tuesday, Sept 30 | vs. Florida (Kia Center) | 7:00pm |
| Thursday, Oct 2 | vs. Florida | 7:00pm |
| Saturday, Oct 4 | at Florida | 7:00pm |
The Bolts return to action on Tuesday night at Kia Center in Orlando to take on the Panthers at 7:00 pm EST.
READ: Newcomers Stachowiak, Bjorkstrand Lead Lightning To 6-5 Victory Over Hurricanes
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