Nashville Predators History
The Predators joined the NHL in 1998 during a two-year expansion that saw the League add the Atlanta Thrashers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild. The team made its first trip to the Playoffs during the 2003-04 season, and proceeded to make the postseason six of the next seven seasons. Nashville won its first Playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks in 2011, and returned to the second round again the following spring.
Two seasons later, with Peter Laviolette as Head Coach, Nashville began their four-year run as a Stanley Cup contender. With P.K. Subban arriving ahead of the 2016-17 season to anchor the defense, the Preds upset the Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks in consecutive Playoff series to reach the 2017 Stanley Cup Final. That streak had two distinctions: It was the first time a No. 8 seed knocked out a top seed (the Blackhawks) and the Predators became the first team in two decades to win 10 consecutive home Playoff games.
Facing the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Final, the Preds lost the first two games before storming back to take Games 3 and 4. After a decisive Pittsburgh home victory, the Penguins prevailed 2-0 in Game 6, with both goals coming in the final two minutes.
Filip Forsberg, who re-signed with the team for eight seasons in July 2022, is the Predators all-time leading scorer. Roman Josi, Pekka Rinne, Mike Fisher and Steve Sullivan have all won NHL awards, while Josi, Rinne and former captain Shea Weber have the distinction of being NHL First-Team All-Stars for the club. The Nashville Predators have made the Playoffs 15 times in their 24 seasons.
Nashville Predators Team Info
Conference: Western
Division: Central
Year Founded: 1997
Team Colors: Gold, Blue
Team Rivals: Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks
Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena
Located in downtown Nashville, Bridgestone Arena opened in 1996, and has been home to the Nashville Predators since the franchise was established in 1998. Since opening, Bridgestone Arena has played host to the NHL All-Star Game in 2016, and Games 3, 4 and 6 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final.
