Zemgus Girgensons' breakout helps Lightning pull past Predators
Tampa Bay's Zemgus Girgensons scored his first two goals of the season, and Andrei Vasilevskiy beat the Nashville Predators for a 10th straight time as the Lightning won 5-2 on the road Tuesday.
Vasilevskiy needed to make just 18 saves in helping Tampa Bay win its third straight.
Charle-Edouard D'Astous scored his first career goal in his third NHL game, while Brandon Hagel and Nikita Kucherov tallied a goal and an assist each. Anthony Cirelli and Pontus Holmberg both assisted on two goals each.
Nashville's Luke Evangelista scored his first goal of the season, and he added his fifth assist of the year on Filip Forsberg's goal. Erik Haula assisted on both.
Juuse Saros stopped 25 of the 29 shots he faced as Nashville lost its second straight.
The Predators had the first six shots on goal, challenging Vasilevskiy with those in the first three minutes. After that, the Lightning goalie faced two more shots in the first period and just three in the entire second frame.
Tampa Bay started the scoring midway through the first period, taking advantage of a shaken-up Tyson Jost. The Predators center became hobbled after blocking a shot from the point by Emil Lilleberg. While Jost struggled to skate, Girgensons raced past him into the slot to convert Holmberg's pass from behind the net.
Hagel doubled the Lightning lead with 4:23 left in the second. Seconds after a power-play opportunity ended, he found the puck in the crease behind Saros and needed a couple whacks at it to get it across the goal line.
Nashville finally got on the board with 14:55 left in regulation on a power play. Evangelista, who drew a slashing penalty on Dominic James, cashed in the opportunity as he beat Vasilevskiy on a rebound off Haula's shot on goal.
Less than three minutes later, D'Astous, a 27-year-old defenseman, restored Tampa Bay's two-goal lead.
Forsberg again cut it to a one-goal game with 2:06 left, just seconds after leaving the penalty box.
However, Kucherov added an empty-netter, and then Girgensons beat Saros. Both of those goals came in the final minute.
Scoring summary
First period
TBL 1, NSH 0
10:31 Zemgus Girgensons (1) - Pontus Holmberg, Yanni Gourde
Girgensons’ first goal of the season made it 1-0 Lightning when he buried a centering pass from Pontus Holmberg.
Shots on goal: TBL 11, NSH 8
Second period
TBL 2, NSH 0
15:37 Brandon Hagel (2) - Anthony Cirelli
Brandon Hagel’s second goal in as many games doubled Tampa Bay’s lead as he whacked away to send a loose puck home just after a Lightning power play expired.
Shots on goal: TBL 13, NSH 3
Third period
TBL 2, NSH 1
5:05 Luke Evangelista (1) - Erik Haula, Brady Skjei - PP
A rebound goal from forward Luke Evangelista on a power play allowed the Predators to cut Tampa Bay’s lead in half.
TBL 3, NSH 1
7:57 Charle-Edouard D’Astous (1) - Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov
D’Astous’ first NHL goal added a cushion for the Lightning. D’Astous scored on a 3-on-1 rush with his shot under Juuse Saros’ blocker.
TBL 3, NSH 2
17:54 Filip Forsberg (4) - Evangelista, Haula
The Predators made it a one-goal game with Filip Forsberg’s rebound goal at 6-on-5.
TBL 4, NSH 2
19:07 Kucherov (4) - Hagel, Cirelli
The Lightning added to their lead with an empty-net goal in the final minute.
TBL 5, NSH 2
19:32 Girgensons (2) - Holmberg, Erik Cernak
Girgensons scored his second goal of the night by burying a loose puck in the closing seconds of the game.
Total shots: TBL 30, NSH 20
Bo Nix Declares: ‘I Can’t Imagine Life Without Her by My Side!’
In a heartfelt moment that has captured the attention of fans, Bo Nix, quarterback for the Denver Broncos, has shared an emotional declaration about his deep connection with his partner. "I can’t imagine life without her by my side," Nix said, speaking about the love and support he receives from the woman who has been there for him through thick and thin. "We’ve faced so many challenges, both the highs and the lows, and each of those moments has only made our bond stronger."
Known for his incredible skills on the field and his leadership for the Broncos, Nix has always kept a focused, determined persona when it comes to football. However, this personal revelation shows that beneath the competitive edge, there’s a man whose foundation is built on love, trust, and commitment. "She’s not just my partner, she’s my greatest source of strength," Nix added, showcasing how much his significant other means to him beyond their relationship.
From his college days to his professional career in the NFL, Nix has navigated the pressures of the sport—always under the spotlight, always in the pursuit of greatness. But throughout this journey, his partner has remained a constant presence, offering unwavering support. "I feel incredibly lucky to spend this entire life with her—loving, caring for, and building a future together," Nix shared, revealing how much he values the stability and love she brings into his life.
The bond between Bo Nix and his partner has become a true example of resilience. As he continues to fight for success on the field, Nix has found peace and strength in knowing that his personal life is rooted in such a solid relationship. They have gone through the trials of life together, and each shared moment has only cemented the lasting nature of their connection.
"I’ve always dreamed of a future like this, and I will never let it slip away," Bo Nix declared, making it clear that his commitment to his partner is unwavering and long-lasting. It’s this devotion that fuels his on-field determination, and fans are excited to see what the future holds for the dynamic quarterback—both in football and in his personal life.
As Nix continues to rise in the ranks of the NFL, one thing is certain: with the love and support of his partner by his side, there’s nothing he can’t achieve.
