Nashville Predators: Predators As Top Toys of the 90’s
These toys made every child’s Christmas list during the 1990’s. This year, we’re bringing them back in the form of Nashville Predators.
How many 90’s kids are reading this right now? Those of us who grew up in the Denim Decade have some very fond memories of our childhood Christmases. The toys that we received still have a special place in our hearts, all these years later. If you grew up earlier or later, just humor us for a few minutes. We’re about to take a journey to the past.
Let’s set the scene, shall we? It’s Christmas day in the 1990’s. Maroon and teal are really in right now. Mom has really big hair and keeps dressing you and your brother in denim overalls with a denim jacket and denim hat. Dad is trying out his new 45lb Sony Handicam camera he got this year and has it up on the tripod. Your anticipation is mounting. Santa has brought you five gifts this year. What could they be?
One by one, the gifts are opened. It’s the perfect Christmas. You got everything you wanted! And, as you reflect on those five gifts this day in 2017, you can’t help but think: “Which Nashville Predator represents each one of those five gifts?”.
Scott Hartnell – The Super Soaker
Gift number one was perhaps the greatest outdoor, weapon shaped water toy you’ve ever received. The Super Soaker is perfect on a nice summer day, but watch out in the winter! This fun toy will turn into a mischievous and unwelcome prankster as you get blasted with ice-cold water on a 35-degree day.
Outside the rink, Hartnell is a blast. Lighthearted and jovial, you’ll be laughing every second you’re with him. Once you get on the ice though, he’s not so fun anymore (for the other team, that is). He’s always involved in some mischief and bad blood. Not a welcome sight for any of those opposing him. They always seem to get a little skittish when he is around
Despite his two-sided nature, you’re always glad to have him on your side. Sure you might leave him in the garage, but he will always be your go to when you’re under siege from the neighbors.
Anthony Bitetto – The Talkboy
There’s always that one guy that loves to talk, mostly because he loves to hear himself talk. Always jawing, making some laugh and some incredibly annoyed. That’s why Anthony Bitetto would be the perfect Talkboy.
For those not familiar, the Talkboy was created for the movie Home Alone 2: Lost In New York. It was used in the scene where Kevin tricks a hotel clerk that the phone call he’s receiving is coming from an adult. However, Kevin really recorded himself using a handheld tape recorder, the Talkboy, and slowed it down to make himself sound different.
Bitetto loves repeating what you say and making it slightly different so you can’t recognize the fact he’s recycling an old joke (or maybe he says it the exact same way but we can’t tell through his thick New Yorker accent). You love him, but sometimes you just have to tell him to shut his mouth. A steady source of entertainment, the guys love having him around.
Roman Josi – The Power Ranger Action Figure (specifically the red one)
Everyone had that toy that could do and be anything. When lining up all the other toys and action figures, obviously one was in charge. The leader would come to the other toys’ rescue and always surprise them with his lightning quick moves and strategy.
Roman Josi has been the Nashville Predators’ Power Ranger this season. The leader succeeds both quietly and boldly. Sometimes he’s just defending the fort. But then he attacks with lightning speed and maneuverability you never thought possible.
Streaking up the ice, fighting off the opposing defenders. This guy makes your team look oh so good. The best part? He doesn’t brag about it. He just shows up, does what needs to be done, then goes home. A true hero.
The Red Ranger has the whole team’s back and you never doubt that he will save the day. He’s always there when you need him and, when looking back over your toys in the future, you will clearly remember him.
P.K. Subban – Buzz Lightyear
Swooping into action, falling in style, to infinity and beyond! This toy has swagger and all the other toys know it. When you need a big rescue, a daring effort that requires the utmost confidence and style, you call Buzz Lightyear. For the Nashville Predators, that’s P.K. Subban.
His style? Unmistakable. His confidence? Through the roof. His swagger? Present and accounted for. This guy is slick and everyone knows it. Sure, sometimes that gets him into trouble, but it gets him out of trouble too.
P.K. does everything in style and seems to find a way to get the job done. He might bring more attention than all the other toys, sure. But at the end of the day, you want this guy on your team. His confidence enables him to dream big and do big. That kind of vision gives his peers hope and allows them to dream big too. Is it a coincidence that the Nashville Predators went to the finals in his first year? Not likely.
Filip Forsberg – The Nintendo Game Boy
There’s always a stud that you remember. That gift that you really, really wanted that you finally got. For the Nashville Predators, that gift was a true scorer. Someone who you could always turn to for a pick me up. That man, the Game Boy Filip Forsberg, came in a little trade from the Washington Capitals. When the Predators unwrapped him in 2014 -15 they found a gem.
The Game Boy was always the toy you would take in the car with you. You would have it in your hand at restaurants, at the beauty parlor while your mom got her hair done, at the hardware store while your dad chatted up the lumber guy. He never left your side, has never forsaken you.
Forsberg has consistently provided offensive firepower for a team that used to be known as the team that just couldn’t score. When Nashville is down, they reach for their Game Boy. And you know what? He usually turns things right around!
Next: Hoping For A Good Christman In Dallas
As Christmas comes and goes, know this. The gifts you’ve unwrapped from this 2017-18 Nashville Predators team will be some of the most special gifts you may ever receive. This city shines brightly because of these men, and Smashville is eternally grateful. So when you pick up those old 90’s toys at the bottom of your old childhood toy box, remember the gifts you have now. They are making this city special and just might bring an even greater gift in June.