It was a penalty-ridden game to close out the preseason for the Nashville Predators Saturday night. A total of 18 combined penalties were called on the Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning, with 10 on Nashville. Tampa Bay won the game in overtime, but most of the focus was on the players battling for an opening night roster spot.
Miikka Salomaki and Tony Bitetto were given another opportunity to impress Saturday night. Salomaki has made it count this preseason with four goals. Saturday night, he notched one on a penalty shot. He was also given a tremendous opportunity on special teams, with 3:58 on the power play and 3:36 on the penalty kill.
Tony Bitetto spent much of the evening paired with PK Subban. He logged a total 21:05 on the ice including 1:39 on the power play and 4:21 on the penalty kill.
Both players suffered injuries last season that hampered their ability to crack the lineup for a consistent amount of time. Big decisions now come for the organization to put together the opening night roster. Video above from Salomaki, Bitetto and head coach Peter Laviolette.
