Nashville Predators: Are you ready for some real noise, Blake Wheeler?

The Stanley Cup playoff series between the Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets feature two passionate fan bases. Now, a challenge has been issued.

There are few things as exciting as the Stanley Cup playoffs. The constant action up and down the ice during every crucial moment of play is rivaled by few events. Teams play hard, often hitting harder. Calls are scrutinized and each goal brings either or cures heartburn. Just look at the series between the Nashville Predators and Winnipeg Jets.

There is no doubting the passion of the two fanbases. The young teams have built strong and knowledgeable followers of their teams. With both teams finishing three points apart in the NHL standings, the energy surrounding them only increased. The series between the Predators are the team formerly known as the Atlanta Thrashers has been a battle, and now returns to the streets of Nashville.

War of words?

After Game 3 – you know, the one where the Predators led 3-0 after 20 minutes, only to lose 7-4- the Jets’ captain decided to toss out some comments about the fans who call Bridgestone Arena home.

"Our fans are huge. It’s real, too… Our crowd noise is from the crowd. It’s not from speakers or music or live bands or whatever."

So nice of him to notice the bands. Given that this is Music City, it is great to get recognition for things we do well.

But, let’s get some things straight, Mr. Wheeler. First of all, the noise you feel from our fans is 100% generated by the people, for the people. With groups like Cellblock 303 leading the cheering charge, the atmosphere generated by fans at Bridgestone is second to none. Second, the crowd noise is not electronically enhanced.

Third, you mentioned the noise is not from music. Are you aware that the gameday staff at Bell MTS also play music? As a matter of fact, they play really good music like “Tom Sawyer” by Rush. There is a section in the piece which alternates between 4/4 and 3/4 time signatures with a fun rock groove. It is so good that other bands cover it all the time, including the Foo Fighters.

Speaking of the Foo Fighters, they played at Bridgestone Arena last night. While they played a great show, fans left cheering something else.

Crowd chanting “Let’s Go Preds!” leaving the Foo Fighters show tonight. I think Smashville is ready for Game 5.
— On The Forecheck (@OnTheForecheck) May 5, 2018

Next: Subban, Rinne shine in Game 4

So, Mr. Wheeler, I can expect you will feel the Nashville Predators crowd tonight. It may be in the butterflies in your stomach as you take the ice, or by a hit from Austin Watson. And, my guess is there will be a cheer specifically for you.

Enjoy.

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