Joakim Kemell records first NHL goal as Predators visit Lightning, beating goaltender Jonas Johansson

Goal credited at 8:31 of the second period in Nashville–Tampa Bay matchup

Tampa Bay, Fla. — Nashville Predators forward Joakim Kemell was credited with a goal against Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Jonas Johansson during Sunday’s game in Tampa, a scoring play recorded at 8:31 of the second period. The play was logged as an even-strength, deflected goal, with Filip Forsberg and defenseman Justin Barron credited with assists.

The goal marked Kemell’s first in the NHL, a milestone for the 21-year-old Finnish winger as Nashville continues integrating younger players into its lineup during the late stages of the regular season. The scoring entry also formalized Kemell’s first NHL point, given the goal and its official classification on the game sheet.

What the official record shows

The goal was registered as a deflection rather than a clean shot, indicating a change of direction on the puck before it beat Johansson. Such goals are typically determined through in-arena review and post-goal confirmation by off-ice officials, who assign credit based on puck contact and the last touch before it crosses the goal line.

• Time of goal: 8:31, second period
• Strength: even strength
• Scorer: Joakim Kemell
• Assists: Filip Forsberg, Justin Barron
• Goaltender scored against: Jonas Johansson

Why the play matters for Nashville

For the Predators, goals from emerging talent can reshape short-term lineup decisions and longer-term roster planning. Kemell has been viewed internally as a scoring-forward prospect since being drafted, and converting in an NHL game—regardless of how the puck enters—adds a concrete result to his early professional track in North America.

The assisting sequence also reflects Nashville’s usage pattern: Forsberg remains a primary driver in playmaking sequences, while Barron’s involvement underscores a reliance on puck movement from the blue line to generate traffic and deflections at the net front.

Johansson’s role on the other side

For Tampa Bay, Johansson has served as a key goaltending option behind the Lightning’s primary starter, with starts often shaped by schedule density and matchups. A deflection goal generally places emphasis on defensive detail in front of the crease—box-outs, stick positioning, and limiting tips—because the goaltender’s reaction time is reduced when the puck changes direction late.

Official scoring credited Kemell with a second-period, even-strength deflected goal, assisted by Forsberg and Barron.

Further game context—including the final score, additional scorers, and disciplinary events—depends on the completed official summary issued after the conclusion of play.