“STAND WITH US”
This is not only a slogan following along the Predators magical season but now one that is plastered all over the city and beloved by the people whom it holds.The Nashville Predators have made history. For the first time in franchise history they have reached the NHL finals to play for their first ever Stanley Cup.
The 8 seed Predators who squeaked into the playoffs and weren’t given a shot to win the series against the 1 seed Chicago Blackhawks have thrived.After sweeping Chicago 4-0 they were onto facing the Blues. Never getting past the second round, they made history by reaching the Western Conference Finals with a 4-2 series win against St. Louis.
Entering uncharted territory, the Preds didn’t flinch.They showed they belonged with a 4-2 series win over the Anaheim Ducks and never gave up home ice. The final stop, to hoist the greatest trophy in all of sports, the Stanley Cup.
This hasn’t been a case of lucky puck bounces or fluky extra power plays but rather that of dominance by the Predators.
They have wanted it more, scored late in the third period, and always made adjustments under head coach Peter Laviolette. That along with incredible team speed and key players like P.K. Subban, Filip Forsberg and Pekka Rinne have led to an incredible run.
The defense and surprise strong play of goalie, Pekka Rinne (undoubtedly the Predators unofficial MVP), could not have come at a better time. As the National Post reports, “P.K. Subban called it a “dog on the bone mentality.” The Predators play hungry hockey.
Now starts the most exciting time of the Nashville Predators 21 year history of an already storied run. The Preds are the first team in 20 years to win 10 consecutive home playoff games, have only lost once at home this postseason and became the first ever 8 seed to sweep a 1 seed.
The NHL Finals air on NBC starting May 29th between the Nashville Predators and the winner of the Pens/Senators series.
Tennessee isn’t known as a hockey town. The Nashville Predators aren’t the most storied franchise. But make no mistake, after the Western Conference Finals win and chants from the crowd of “we want the cup”, there is no denying it:
MANY STAND WITH THE PREDS!