The Predators scored back-to-back power-play goals 1:06 apart to go up 2-0 just seven minutes into the opening period and added an even strength goal at the 18:21 mark to take a 3-0 lead into the first intermission.
After Nashville scored an even strength goal in the second period and another power-play goal to start the third, the Bolts got on the board at the 4:11 mark of the final frame to break the shutout of Juuse Saros as Brandon Hagel netted his first goal of the preseason.
Following a scramble in front of the Nashville goal, Gemel Smith made one heck of a play from the seat of his pants to slide the puck to Hagel, who was standing in the slot and fired a wrist shot past Saros.
Hagel and Namestnikov stood out while shorthanded on Friday, generating two great chances on back-to-back shifts. It will be interesting to see if they get any time together on the PK during the regular season.
On one chance, Hagel used his speed to get in all alone on a breakaway, but Saros stopped his initial shot and a rebound attempt from Namestnikov. The following shift, the two generated a 2-on-0 while shorthanded but couldn't convert. While neither chance ended with a goal, it was still good to see some chances generated by the Lightning while down a man.
The Predators added two more even strength goals before the final horn sounded, marking the third-straight loss for Tampa Bay to start the preseason.
But there are more important things than the score when it comes to preseason hockey. Some players are getting their legs while others are pushing for spots. Cole Koepke is working hard to earn a roster spot on opening night and has played in all three preseason games. He skated on a line with Ross Colton and Vladislav Namestnikov for the second time this preseason on Friday.
"I feel like I fit in well," said Koepke. "Those are two great players. They both have a lot of skill and they both work extremely hard. They can grind and forecheck hard down low and they can also make plays when they have to. They have incredible skill.
"They're proven players in this league, so to get time with them is great for me. It helps me adapt and they're always helping me on the bench between shifts and kind of going over things.
"I've just been trying to learn as much as I can from them and hopefully keep skating with them."
Koepke logged 16:43 of ice time on Friday and recorded two shots with one hit. After scoring 20 goals with the Syracuse Crunch last year, the 24-year-old is still adjusting to the talent of the National Hockey League, but he feels he's getting better with each and every game.
"I think it's gotten better as we went along," Koepke said on Friday. "It's definitely a big adjustment playing at this level against this kind of competition, but it's something I definitely want, so it's awesome to get this kind of experience.
"Obviously, we didn't have the outcome we wanted, but I think really, I've learned a lot, just how to play at this level and within our systems. I've gotten more and more comfortable and I think that's going to be a huge asset for me going forward."
The Lightning return to preseason action on Thursday, October 6, with a matchup against the Florida Panthers at FLA Live Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET.
