Best Predators Memories

I've been wanting to do this, as we're probably going to be without our team for a while, and I think this might cheer us up a bit. I wanted to write down some of my best times watching the club, and hopefully hear a few from the rest of you. Because, really, we have a lot to be thankful for. I remember growing up and only getting to see hockey when I visited Memphis, and now we can actually see games in person (hopefully). So, these are the best times I can remember.

1. The first game I went to, with my cousin George and our respective families. It was right after Thanksgiving, which became something of a family tradition for us. This was also my first time in the Nashville Arena. What a rush it was to see that kind of a crowd in freaking Nashville! I didn't know it to be possible until then. What I remember most is watching most of the game on the scoreboard above the ice - I was captivated by it. Also, let the record show that I hated the Fang Fingers from my first visit on. The Preds were behind early, but came back to defeat Calgary 4-2.

2. Gretzky's five assists game. It was the first season still, and The Great One was with the Rangers. I had a great seat in the 200 sections (the side where we attack one) in the second row. The crowd was hushed, almost like a religious gathering. Every time he touched the puck, everyone got quiet, and every time he lost it they cheered. But it was when he got the puck behind the net that everyone's heart stopped the most, and on this day he killed us. When he passed the puck to the front for an assist to a goal, people in the stands just looked at each other, knowingly. He was picking an expansion team apart, and we were witnessing Greatness.
And then in the second period, it happened. I've told this story a dozen times. He comes down the ice, to my right and below me, skated slightly behind the red line, and flicks the puck, seemingly at random. It caromed off the side of the net, landed on a forward's stick, and he sent it home for the score. For a second, I was deflated as you'd expect.... but then, you realized... He MEANT to do that! He MEANT to do that! I even said it out loud, in shock, and no one around me thought I was crazy. It still gives me goose bumps. How could he know the angles so well?
Oh yes, the Rangers won 7-4. And Gretzky, the first star of the night, skated out to wave to the crowd, and gave his stick away to a fan. A classy guy.

3. Seeing a great game in the lower level, about ten rows up, and getting to watch Dunham up close. I know some Preds fans don't like him, but I loved to watch him play when he was on. He was on Team USA because he was good; damn good. Every one of you should get on the Preds email list, because sometimes they send out an email selling individual $60 for only $20. I took advantage of this that day, and it was great. (by the way, you used to be able to sneak into the lower levels in the third period, but I haven't tried recently)

4. Not any single game, but getting to sit near 303 at any time. I especially love when their post goal "suck" chants don't end before we've scored another goal.

5. I forget which year, but going to a Red Wings game a few years back. The place was packed. The Wings fans tried to take over the building with noise, and we responded, four times louder. You could see the players pick up the pace, and the first ten minutes were the most hectic I've ever seen in person. We were up 2-1 half way through the first, I'm pretty sure. I know we won it, and I think it was 4-2. Great times!

6. Seeing Hartnell play when he first came up. He played so hard I was thrilled when he stuck with the team.

7. Seeing my former favorite player, Karlis Skrastins. He would dive to the ice to block a shot every game, and I respected that. It was fun to see him play for Latvia, too.

8. Buying a scalped ticket to the Fangtastic Season Finale II. Finding out it was strangely in the top of the 200 sections, where the handicap people are. I liked that. Fittingly, Patrick Cote was up there, as he was hurt. It was his last game as a Predator, and I got his autograph. He said I looked serious watching the game, strangely even thinking that I was taking notes, which I was not. Do you remember how much was all loved Cote?

9. One of those "white-out" games, which was and idea stolen from other teams. Still have that shirt.

10. Seeing Hasek with the Sabres. He was amazing, and Buffalo won. Afterwards, Buffalo fans were walking around the arena, taunting quite a bit for some reason. Before I left the arena I realized it was payback for the "Music City Miracle", which made me laugh. I'd trade a playoff win for a regular season loss any day!

11. Getting a puck while watching pre-game warm-ups, right after cousin George said how cool it'd be if we got a puck. It lands right next to me - a gift. Also, putting my nose to the glass during warm-ups, amazed at how fast they skate, and cringing as pucks came flying at me.

12. Seeing a pre-season game last year with Chris. Great seats! The crowd already was coming to love Tootoo, and you could see that the team might be a playoff contender. And, we enjoyed a goal that came off of actual passing. How many offensive threats have been killed by our inability to pass??? Maybe one day we'll learn... maybe.

13. Finally, Game 6, which I wrote about here. Probably the most electric crowd of my life. Anyone who thinks hockey can't survive in Nashville was not at this game. I swear to you all, if we can get a good collective bargaining agreement into place that is fair to the small market teams, we can compete at the highest levels. Our crowds already do.