Wood's two third-period goals rally Predators past Lightning in OT

Matthew Wood erased a two-goal deficit with two late goals before Felix Nilsson won it 3-2 in overtime for Nashville on Sept. 22.

Matthew Wood scored twice in the final frame to bring Nashville back from a two-goal hole, and the Predators went on to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in overtime at Bridgestone Arena on Sept. 22. Felix Nilsson, who put pen to paper on a three-year entry-level deal with Nashville in May, netted the extra-time decider — his first of the preseason.

Wood skated on a line with Filip Forsberg and Nils Hoglander, and that trio was responsible for getting the Predators back on level terms after Tampa had built its lead early in the second. According to Natural Stat Trick, Wood and Forsberg together generated 23 shot attempts, put 11 on net and scored two goals. Nashville iced roughly half of the group expected to dress for the regular-season opener.

"It was pretty evident, especially that second and third period, (Wood and Forsberg) controlled and dictated the game here for us tonight," coach Andrew Brunette said. Wood added that he needed some time to settle in but grew more comfortable as the night went on, calling Forsberg and Hoglander great players to play with.

Wood is set to open the season alongside Forsberg after the two developed chemistry late last year, when they shared 279 minutes of 5-on-5 ice time, much of it with Wood at center out of necessity. Despite new general manager Chris MacFarland bringing in four centers, Wood is expected to begin the year as the second-line center. He finished last season with 17 goals and 13 assists across 71 games.