After a first period in which both teams found success hitting the back of the net, the Predators have blown this game open with a three-goal second period to this point, extending their lead to 5-2.
The Predators struck first with a goal by Sergei Kostitsyn and assists by Craig Smith and Mike Fisher just six minutes into the contest. They doubled their lead in the middle of the period as Fisher scored with assists by Kostitsyn and Smith, repaying the favor for Fisher's assist of Kostitsyn's early goal.
Unwilling to give up, the Lightning struck back with a goal from Steven Stamkos, coming on assists by Teddy Purcel and Ryan Malone. It was Stamkos' fifth goal of the season. Then Teddy Purcell leveled things up on a power play goal with assists by Brett Connolly and Marc-Andre Bergero as the first period came to a close.
However, the Lightning's luck didn't last long, as Patric Hornqvist, Nick Spaling and Mike Fisher all scored in a five minute window that put this game in the balance. The second period is winding down with the score still 5-2 in favor of the Predators.
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