The energy produced by the 17,000+ fans at the Sommet Center Monday night propelled the Nashville Predators to a twin pair of goals that led them to a playoff victory.
I've been a season ticket holder in section 321 since "Day One" and attended other games that had a playoff atmosphere. But this season is different. The fans have some collective sense about when to get involved at critical points in the game. That's what happened Monday night with the Predators trailing 2-0 about midway through the second period. The fans sensed the team needed to raise their sense of urgency, so they raised the roof. And then all of a sudden the Predators scored to make it a one goal game. I said this season is different - and I saw it again last night as the crowd sustained an ovation through an entire TV timeout with absolutely nothing going on on the ice. That apparently filled the jets engines of the team which scored again to tie the score within 3 minutes. Later in the game, the crowd held its breath briefly as the Red Wings went ahead yet again 3-2. But the crowd's exhale was even stronger this time during another timeout and the Preds scored twice in 9 seconds to take the lead 4-3. Seeing victory within grasp the crowd then would not let the Red Wings breathe until Nashville scored an empty net goal.
I've heard many say today that it was one of the most incredible sporting events they've witnessed, and I would agree. Right up there with the Music City Miricle. There is indeed something special about the journey this team and their fans have taken this season.
