Going way back
How about going back to the early years when the Predators franchise was still in its infancy?
In just the franchise’s third year, Nashville was able to manage a 4-1-1 start; back when ties were still scored in the
Yes, a 4-1-1 start is petty to say the least, but at this time the Predators had very little expectations of doing anything special. Unlike modern Smashville hockey, playing at a competitive level and occasionally getting an upset against teams like the Red Wings was all we could hope for early on.
Ironically enough, it was an overtime win over the aforementioned Detroit Red Wings that capped off the 4-1-1 start before the team reverted back down to reality and eventually missed the postseason by finishing 10th in the Western Conference.
On a more positive note, this was a blue-collar team that featured captain Tom Fitzgerald, Cliff Ronning, and a young David Legwand; so the fact they were our first lineup to the 80-point mark was a pleasant treat for the Predators early supporters.