I don’t care if you’re not a hockey fan. You couldn’t watch the last 5:00 of last night’s Predators game without feeling an overwhelming pride, and maybe getting just a little tear in your eye. The NHL has released the in-arena video from a spontaneous standing ovation given by the fans for the players during a TV timeout. This wasn’t some contrived noise accompanied by music. It was 17,000 Nashvillians spontaneously showing their appreciation for one of the scappiest sports teams ever assembled:
Click here to play video. (WordPress won’t let me embed, dang it).
It’s really hard to explain just what this team has accomplished. I’ve been watching sports for well over 30 years, and I’ve never seen a team whose roster was gutted as much as the Predators even make .500 the following season, much less make the playoffs. They are this town’s Gashouse Gang. They are the embodiment of the movie “Major League”, complete with the threat of moving the team.
Despite all their troubles, the Preds scrapped their way into the 8th and final playoff spot last night (there is a slight chance they could even move up to 7th). They will most likely play the Red Wings – who they actually have a pretty good record against this year.
This spontaneous noise you see in the video is a collective “Wow!” to the coaches and players, and a collective “Screw You!” to Jim Balsillie.
Watch the video. Then, watch it again. I only wish I had been there.
April 4, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Slarti, I think Balsillie is a minority owner in the team now.
April 4, 2008 at 7:20 pm
I was there, waving my t-shirt with the rest of them. What a team. What. A. Team. I’m the kind of person that cries at these.
April 5, 2008 at 8:08 am
I was there with Barb and it was absolutely chilling!!! All we could do was just look at each other and say “cool”!!!
April 5, 2008 at 5:17 pm
I was at home while Barb and Susie were at the game, and Barbara came back having had a great time. After seeing the video, I see why! I’m not a hocky fan, but that fan support was wonderful!