In the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes preseason game in Raleigh tonight one team fielded an experienced, NHL-heavy line-up while the other put out a roster filled with younger players fighting for roster spots or getting some game time before heading back to the AHL or junior hockey. The final score reflected the gap in the experience as the ‘Canes used three power play goals to beat the Lightning, 5-1. Vlad Namestnikov had the lone Lightning goal in his first game in a Tampa Bay uniform since February of 2018.
Namestnikov was one of the better Lightning players on the ice as he centered a line between Cole Koepke and Alex Barre-Boulet.