The Tampa Bay Lightning opened the preseason with a 2-1 victory over the Nashville Predators, and Dave Mishkin and Greg Linnelli break down all the biggest takeaways from the first game of the 2026-27 campaign.

The guys discuss Conor Geekie's impressive goal and why his elite shot could help him cement a full-time NHL role this season. They also dive into Sam O'Reilly's strong all-around performance, Benjamin Rautiainen's encouraging debut, and what the Lightning's top prospects are doing to push for opening night roster spots.

Plus, a closer look at Victor Hedman's return to game action, Ilya Mikheyev's impact alongside Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov, John Carlson's early chemistry with J.J. Moser, and what the coaching staff is learning about the power play and penalty kill during the preseason.

In this episode:

• Lightning defeat Nashville 2-1 in preseason opener
• Conor Geekie's standout performance and goal
• Sam O'Reilly's case for an NHL roster spot
• Victor Hedman's encouraging return
• Ilya Mikheyev's fit in the Lightning top six
• Power play adjustments featuring John Carlson
• Opening night roster battles and camp storylines

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