Preds Rookies Fall to Lightning in Game 2

The Nashville Predators rookies fell by a 6-1 final to Tampa Bay on Sunday afternoon at Ford Ice Center in the second of three meetings between the two in their showcase.
Christian Hilbrich scored the lone goal for the Preds who moved to 1-1 on the weekend after taking Game 1 by a 4-2 score on Saturday.
"We started [the game well], but the last two periods were disappointing by our work ethic," defenseman Alexandre Carrier said. "I think we just need to keep it simple. We beat them last night, so they were coming pretty hard on us… They started strong in the second period and we lost that momentum."

After the Lightning failed to score on a 5-on-1 break in the first period, Nashville countered with a 4-on-2 chance and Hilbrich deposited a rebound to get his team on the board, but Tampa Bay potted three in the opening frame for an advantage after 20 minutes.

The Bolts then added two more in the second stanza and another in the third to complete the final tally, with Mathieu Joseph, Kevin Hancock, Taylor Raddysh, Alexey Lipanov, Brett Howden and Boris Katchouk all finding the twine for Tampa Bay.
Carrier and his teammates were disappointed with their effort in the final 40 minutes of Sunday's contest, and quality plays with and without the puck from start to finish will be an area of focus as things conclude on Tuesday morning with the third and final game of the tournament.
"We're going to be rested, and we'll be ready mentally as well," Carrier said. "We're looking to play harder than them. It's [rookie] camp, so hard work is a big part of our game, and speed also. If we keep it simple, we outwork them and I think everything's going to be fine."

Notes:
Matt O'Connor minded the net for Nashville on the afternoon, while Connor Ingram collected the win for Tampa Bay.
After a day off on Monday, the two clubs will finish up their three-game set with an 11 a.m. CT puck drop on Tuesday morning at Ford Ice Center.