Hockey Night in Nashville

The Nashville Predators have been a pretty hot team this year, but I must confess to not being a big fan. What do you expect of someone who grew up in the South where its rare that birdbaths freeze over? So after a 4 year drought, I finally took the opportunity to attend a Predators game. Actually, I was invited by the Vanderbilt Nursing School to sit in the VUMC box. So I also got a chance to experience how the other half experience a hockey game - free food & drinks, room to move around, and private restroom.

The game itself was fun. The Preds scored in the first 11 seconds (their fastest score ever) and by the second period they had extended their lead to 3-1. I was impressed with the teamwork and the individual passing and shooting skills on display. The only negative would be the unnecessary fighting in the third period. With the game well in hand, players from both teams decided to give the crowd this spectacle that has become synonymous with hockey (I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out). I just don't like it. It reminds me of the gladiatorial fights of Rome, especially the way in which the crowd revels in the violence. I don't mind the rough (even violent) nature of the play, I just object to players throwing punches.

Anyway, the Predators have one more game tomorrow and then the playoffs. I hope they do well, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to see such talent. I also highly recommend box seats for anyone who has the chance. You'll love it!