@ Nashville

Nicolas Roy scoring ninety-two seconds into the game was the ultimate prank, giving everyone just enough hope to settle in before the inevitable Nashville onslaught. Naturally, the lead evaporated in the second period thanks to Erik Haula, and while John Tavares briefly restored a sense of dignity, Adam Wilsby ensured the tie held firm going into the intermission. Being outshot 34-22 is a bold defensive philosophy, but it is one this franchise seems determined to perfect regardless of who is behind the bench.

The third period unfolded with the rhythmic disappointment of a forgotten country ballad. Luke Evangelista and Steven Stamkos—because of course it had to be Stamkos—built a lead while the defense presumably went looking for some hot chicken. Bobby McMann provided a classic "don't turn off the TV yet" goal with less than a minute remaining, only for Cole Smith to shove the dagger in forty seconds later to finalize the 5-3 score. It is truly impressive how this team can make a two-goal loss feel like a recurring nightmare that everyone somehow still pays to watch.