He was outstanding at even strength, through a couple of Nashville power plays and even when the Predators pulled their goalie with three minutes to play, making 42 saves in a 3-0 victory.

It’s a similar story for the Preds’ other big offseason acquisition, Jonathan Marchessault. The former Golden Knight is now wearing a gold of a different hue, and had a solid first game as a Pred, with a pair of assists in Nashville’s opening loss to the Dallas Stars. (Stamkos was held without a point, but picked up two penalty minutes.)