from Nicholas J. Cotsonika of NHL.com,

"The entrance was so cool to see a football stadium full of people," Predators captain Roman Josi said. "It was pretty impressive. It was unbelievable, and Nashville always shows up and supports us. We're definitely very grateful for that."

Nashville was in party mode from dawn until the horn sounded on a 3-2 win for Tampa Bay. This was the first time it had hosted an NHL outdoor game, and the theme was Smashville meets Music City. It was part hockey game and part music festival.

"If these events are for the fans, the League hit it out of the park," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. "Just, what a show. I'm dating my time in the League now, but I've been extremely fortunate to be a part of three Stanley Cup Finals, and nothing will ever top that."

Bridgestone Arena, the Predators' home, sits in the heart of the Broadway entertainment district across the Cumberland River from Nissan Stadium. Thousands of fans in Predators and Lightning jerseys packed the hotels, the honky-tonks and the streets hours before game.

The fans listened to live music at the Winter Park fan fest the Predators held near Bridgestone Arena, walked across the river on a pedestrian bridge and listened to more live music at the Truly Hard Selzer PreGame fan fest the NHL held near Nissan Stadium.

The Lightning and Predators arrived in party buses and slapped five with the fans, the Lightning in cowboy hats, cowboy boots and Canadian tuxedos of denim jackets and jeans, the Predators in custom hats and leather jackets by designer Travis Austin. Rinne led the Predators. The sleeve of his jacket said, "THE GOAT."

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Game highlights are below.