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Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild find themselves at number three on the list, and I might be a little bit biased in this selection. I am one who finds it hard to let go of a grudge, especially when it comes to sports. That is why when Ryan Suter decided to leave Nashville during the 2012 offseason, I developed a lot of animosity towards Minnesota. As did most of th Nashville fans.
The season that Ryan Suter teamed up with Zach Parise in Minnesota did not go well for Predators’ fans. First off the season was shortened to 48 games due to the lockout. Adding to the fact that we only had half a season of hockey to enjoy, Nashville finished in dead last in the division. I know that I am not alone in these feelings towards Minnesota, either. For the longest time, anytime Minnesota traveled to Nashville whenever Suter touched the puck the entire arena would boo him relentlessly.
It is not all bad though. When Suter left Nashville it was a major blow to the Predators. Weber and Suter had been dubbed the best defensive pair in hockey. The short-term effects were evident. However, Suter leaving paved the way for Roman Josi to develop into the elite defenseman he is. At this point in their careers, I even consider Josi to be a better player than Suter. What is even funnier is Suter makes almost double what Josi makes in a year. In the long run Nashville definitely came out on top, and that grudge is slowly starting to die. I am sure it is for most other Predators’ fans, as well. Make no mistake though, Minnesota is still a rival, and as long as Suter is there it will fuel the rivalry that much more.