Miami Herald reporter George Richards has great blog posts on the atmosphere at last night’s Preds game and a fun take on Nashville’s night life. He correctly observes that Nashville fans honored Vokoun throughout the night but mistakenly noted that Vokoun did not respond to the video tribute and resulting fan ovation in the first period. I was there, too, and Vokoun did lift his stick in a clear reply to the thoughtful display from the Preds organization and the Nashville crowd. Richards also referred to the Titans as the Oilers, but I still enjoyed reading his posts.

The Preds got another much-needed win last night by downing the Florida Panthers 4-3 in the game’s final seconds. It was a fun, exciting game enhanced by a large and boisterous crowd at the Sommet Center. The team’s two-game winning streak couldn’t come at a better time as the Preds prepare for a road trip to Western Canada, a trek that is traditionally a struggle for Nashville. [Image: Floridapanthers.com]

The highlight of the evening was fan-favorite goaltender Tomas Vokoun’s return to town.  It was heart-warming to witness how the crowd responded to seeing their hero on the ice as an opponent for the first time. Many fans followed tradition in chanting “sucks” after the names of the opposing players announced as the Panthers’ starting lineup, and I was curious to see how they would reply when Vokoun’s name was spoken. The crowd erupted in cheers and the familiar “Vo-koun!” chant and honored their former favorite with a standing ovation. Ever a gentleman, Vokoun had kind words for his former organization even in defeat following the game: “It was really nice on their part. They’re a class organization. It’s nice when people appreciate your hard work.”

It was a moving moment in what has been a long and tough few months for the Predators franchise and its staunchest fans. During a first period timeout, the arena crew played a tribute video that showcased highlights of Vokoun’s career in Nashville. The crowd roared and honored Vokoun with a second ovation, and the humble netminder waited several seconds until he raised his stick in a polite thanks in response. While few in the audience were pulling for the Panthers, it was an emotional and inspiring scene to see the Nashville crowd reach out to an opposing player in such a way. Other Preds bloggers had similar reactions, below:

• PredJoe
• Brandon Felder