and this Oiler fan is singing a different tune...and it happens to be an adaption of Tim McGraw's "I Like It, I Love It." I wonder why that is?
It's a shame that your Preds have yet to make it into the 2nd round, they're an inspiring bunch to watch with making the playoffs year after year despite financial shortcomings and the ever present danger of losing star players. Give credit to Trotz and Poile, they're arguably the best tandem in the NHL when it comes to procuring talent and getting bang for the buck. I wish my Oil would figure out how to do the same...
I remember reading blogger
James Mirtle's 6-part take on the NHL in Nashville some months ago. Unlike him, however, I felt at the time that the game couldn't survive in Tennessee. I'm an unapologetic traditionalist when it comes to hockey, and I just didn't see the Preds fitting in. So, much like Mirtle, I gave this team a chance this season and took it upon myself to follow their progress on the ice and in the seats (attendance, that is) since my boys were dead in the water this season by January.
I noticed that the fans are showing up on average around 15,000, which isn't too bad but is still in the bottom in terms of league average (I know, I know...you folks are more than aware of that issue). I began to think that maybe some good play down the stretch and maybe a bit of a playoff run would help the club out. I know that Bridgestone Arena usually sells out for playoff games, so it would make sense that finally reaching the 2nd round would provide the organization with some much-needed cash to help with the books. After watching last night's game, I couldn't have been more excited as a fan to see such entertaining hockey in the 1st period and to hear the crowd get into it the way they did. Great atmosphere. It's a shame that the Preds couldn't extend the series last night and maybe pull out a game 7 upset.
Most importantly, what it reminded me of was the early days of the San Jose Sharks. A team in a market that tradition shakes its head at, but with a growing group of fans and in an area where the professional sports market isn't completely dried up. The franchise has a chance to find a niche, to be one of those places like San Jose where the game just grows on people and takes hold. I also like the combination of hockey and country music, something about it just makes sense to me. All in all, I've warmed up to the idea of a NHL franchise in Nashville. Right now, it's just trying to survive and that's the harsh reality of many teams in the league at this point. But if they can make it through the next decade, which I think is a good possibility, then the future could be bright for hockey in Tennessee.
Here's hoping that we continue to see Predators hockey in Nashville for a long time to come, and that the awesome McGraw remake continues to be your goal song of choice (man, that's catchy).
Cheers!
you prove why im so happy with this year.. 
