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Nashville Predators & Tampa Bay Lightning forced to cancel preseason tilt

Originally posted on Hockey Unplugged | By Axel Williams | Last updated 10/6/24

Tonight, the Nashville Predators were set to take on the Tamp Bay Lightning in one of the final preseason games prior to the regular season.

The game was going to be Tampa Bay and would have been an interesting homecoming for none other than Steven Stamkos. However, the game ended up being canceled, much to the chagrin of fans for both of these teams. Why was the game canceled? Well, there is a very simple explanation for this.

Essentially, inclement weather in the area was making it unsafe for the Predators to travel. With Hurricane Helene ravaging the American South East, this decision was most certainly for the best. It is terrible to see this happening, although we are glad that the NHL made the sensible decision here.

The NHL may have to deal with this a whole lot more as the season begins this week. If the Florida and Carolina areas do not improve, it could put a serious damper on any upcoming games. However, we know that authorities in both states are working hard to make sure everyone is safe and that this doesn't get worse than it already is.

As for both of these teams, they are both squads that are believed to be real Playoff contenders. The Lightning have had Stanley Cup pedigree in the past, albeit the Predators now have the man who helped the Lightning win those cups, Steven Stamkos. Only time will tell which of these franchises has the better year.

This article first appeared on Hockey Unplugged and was syndicated with permission.

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