Lightning's McDonagh: Blowout loss to Preds 'an absolute embarrassment'

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh didn't mince words regarding his team's effort following a 7-2 loss to the Nashville Predators on Tuesday.

"Tonight was an absolute embarrassment," the veteran blue-liner said, according to The Athletic's Joe Smith.

The Preds controlled 62% of both the high-danger scoring chances and the expected goals at five-on-five, per Natural Stat Trick.

"This was one of the worst performances I've seen in a Lightning uniform from our group," said McDonagh, who joined Tampa prior to the 2018 trade deadline.

He added it was "not even close" to halfway effort.

The Lightning will get a chance to rebound on Thursday against the Florida Panthers.

Meanwhile, the Predators are arguably the hottest team in the NHL, as they've compiled an 11-2-0 record in their last 13 games. They've been banged up for a good portion of this stretch, too. Filip Forsberg, Matt Duchene, Eeli Tolvanen, and Dante Fabbro were among those missing from Tuesday's lineup.

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