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Nashville Predators: 10 Best Moments since Predators were saved

By Jake Evans

NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 17: Team mascot, Gnash, of the Nashville Predators waves a rally towel to motivate the crowd in a game against the Anaheim Ducks in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bridgestone Arena on April 17, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 17: Team mascot, Gnash, of the Nashville Predators waves a rally towel to motivate the crowd in a game against the Anaheim Ducks in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bridgestone Arena on April 17, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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Ten years after the famous “Save Our Preds” rally on July 19, 2007, hockey in Nashville is thriving. Here are the top 10 moments since that historic day.

In 1995, rumors flew around the NHL that the New Jersey Devils would be relocating to Nashville. It was the first sign of hockey in Music City since the Dixie Flyers of the Eastern Hockey League had skated in Municipal Auditorium in the 1960s. However, the deal fell through, and Nashville was without a franchise heading into the 1996 season.

That all changed though, after a deal that tried to bring an NBA team to Nashville, failed. The city turned again, to hockey. In January of 1996, Craig Leipold made a request to the NHL for an expansion franchise in Nashville. Shortly after, in June 1996, his wish was granted.

Play began in what we now know as Bridgestone Arena on October 10, 1998, in a 1-0 loss to the Florida Panthers. After finally reaching the playoffs for the first time in 2004, the Predators enjoyed much success over the next two seasons. Nashville finished fourth in the Western Conference both years, had home ice advantage in 2006, and the best home record in the league at 32-8-1.

Trouble Ahead

It seemed that all was well in Nashville, although behind the scenes, owner Craig Leipold was frustrated. On May 24, 2007, Leipold shook the Predator faithful, as he announced his intentions to sell the organization to a Canadian billionaire. Predator fans did not take the news lightly. Protests and petitions emerged from all over. On July 19, 2007, a meeting with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was held, to determine the fate of the franchise. While the men in suits fought for hockey in Nashville, so did the fans.

Thousands gathered on Lower Broadway for the famous “Save Our Preds” rally. Fans chanted, held up signs, and begged for their beloved Predators to stay in Nashville. Their efforts were successful, as the deal with that Canadian businessman ultimately failed.

(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

On that summer day in 2007, hockey in Nashville was saved. Since then, the sport and the team has flourished in Music City. It has been 10 years since that beautiful day, so with that, let’s take a look at the top 10 moments in Predators history, in the last 10 years.

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