NHL Stadium Series 2022: Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning make a statement with custom pregame outfits

NASHVILLE — Wearing attention-grabbing outfits has become a hallmark of the NHL's outdoor games, and the Nashville Predators matched the vibe ahead of their Stadium Series game on Saturday.

The home team rolled up to the game looking like a bunch of outlaws before taking on the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning.

Nashville players arrived in custom-made leather jackets they created themselves, with an assist from designer Travis Austin.

«We wanted to wear something cool. [Travis] Austin just opened up a store in Nashville. We went in there, and his jackets and hats looked unbelievable,» said Predators captain Roman Josi, who wore a jacket with his number, son's name and an image of country music legend Johnny Cash on the back.

Music City Outlaws pic.twitter.com/RXdAP3nO25

«It's pretty cool that everyone has their own personal jacket,» Josi said. Austin said he created over 25 custom leather jackets for the Predators. That included one for retired goaltender Pekka Rinne, who led the team to the stadium wearing a jacket with his retired No. 35 on the back.

Most of the jackets were all-black leather, but forward Filip Forsberg opted for bright blue sleeves. He had the Tre Konor — three crowns that are the national emblem of Sweden — on his back and a mustache on his right arm that mimicked his current facial hair.

About half the team wore custom fedoras while the other players wore Music City Outlaws trucker hats, all designed by Austin. What teams wear into the NHL's outdoor games has become as notable as the specialty jerseys they wear on the ice.

The Lightining stepped off its party bus in front of Nissan Stadium dressed in head-to-toe denim, with bolo ties and cowboy hats. The Lightning looked like they