Tampa Bay Lightning Win Preseason Opener

Mar 1, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Vladislav Namestnikov (65) skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Lightning defeated the Stars 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Lightning got their preseason off to a winning start as they used three third period goals to come from behind and beat the Nashville Predators 4-2 at the Amalie Arena.

Trailing 2-1 going into the final frame, Jonathan Marchessault tied the game at 2-2 with 8:35 left. Five minutes later defensemanMark Barberiobroke the deadlock with a slapshot to put the Bolts ahead.

Marchessault then got a big insurance goal for the Lightning with 4:52 left as his backhander found the back of the net.

Nikita Kucherovhad the Lightning’s other goal, which came in the second period afterFilip Forsberghad given Nashville the lead earlier in the period.

Craig Smithrestored the Predators’ lead at the 7:40 mark of the second before the Lightning’s big third period.

Andrei Vasilevskiy made 28 saves for the Lightning as he played the entire game.

Vladislav Namestnikovhad three assists for the Lightning while Marchessault added an assist to his two goals. Kucherov,Valtteri Filppulaand Luke Witowski also had assists.

The Lightning went 0-3 on the powerplay and had 17 penalty minutes, nine of which went to Witowski that included a second period fight with Jonathan-Ismael Diaby.

Some notable absuntees from the game for the Lightning includedSteven Stamkos,Ondrej Palat,Victor Hedman,Tyler Johnson,Ryan Callahan,Brenden Morrow,Anton Stralman,Brian BoyleandRadko Gudas.

Ben BishopandEvgeni Nabokovdidn’t dress either asKristers Gudlevskisbacked up Vasilevskiy.

The Lightning’s next preseason game is on Thursday, Sept. 25, when they’re on the road to play the Predators again.

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