Steven Stamkos makes his feelings known about Predators’ lack of effort vs Lightning

Nashville Predators’ forward Steven Stamkos discussed his team's 3-2 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night. The defeat marked the Predators' third straight and dropped their record to a disappointing 7-12-5 on the season. The Predators have struggled to score goals this season, averaging just 2.33 per game - the lowest in the NHL.

When asked about the Predators' consistent inability to generate offense despite having plenty of proven goal scorers, Steven Stamkos hinted at some frustration.

"We've got guys that can put the puck in the net, for sure, but we need to find ways to generate. Guys getting open, seeing things, finding seams." Steven Stamkos said.

"It's tough to score, the hardest thing to do in the NHL is score goals. Obviously, we've got guys that have done it. A little different this year, you're in a funk, you try to find ways. We're not gonna quit here, but you know, we need to find a way, myself included." he added.

Roman Josi scored two goals for the Predators. Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel and Brayden Point tallied for Tampa Bay. Goaltender Juuse Saros made 25 saves in defeat. Jonas Johansson stopped 28 shots.

Fans react to Steven Stamkos's comments on Predators’ lack of effort

Steven Stamkos’s remarks have sparked quite a reaction among hockey fans on social media. Many fans agreed with Stamkos's assessment.

One fan tweeted:

"I think what he’s getting at is they have some goal scorers but they don’t have many natural play makers, the guys setting up the goal scorers."

Another fan wrote:

"He should be calling them out somewhere though. They are playing like a lottery team."

Here are some fan reactions:

"Fire coach and get a new captain with some leadership and grit. Josi is an Awesome player I want on my team but he isn’t the right leader on the team" one fan wrote.

"It's not like he's even pulling a fraction of his own weight. 1 goal and 3 points at ES and the preds are getting ventilated when he's on the ice. he should call himself out." another fan wrote.

"Without naming names have you or anyone else plugged in with the team heard of any riffs between some of the players?" a user commented.

"Holding back does nothing. Naming names is appropriate. What the heck can it hurt? This team has nothing going. If you ask me, they have a discipline problem, sprinkled with laziness which is exacerbated by their old age." another user wrote.

Nashville will look to bounce back on Saturday night when they visit the Minnesota Wild.