The Nashville Predators are hoping for some special goals in the upcoming 2015-16, but let’s take a look back at some of the ones that Predators fans remember fondly from last season.
I used a couple of different ways to decide which goals should go on the list. First, I asked on social media which scores should be used. Second, I went by how the goal looked. Did it have a “wow factor” to it? Was it worthy of multiple replays on sports highlight shows?
The last criteria was how big was the goal in the flow of a game or season. Some goals can look spectacular, but if it’s the last goal of a 7-1 rout, then it might not get on the list. Most of these goals helped decide the game or helped shift momentum in Nashville’s favor.
This list is subjective and I asked for some audience help. If you think I missed one, or rated one too high or too low, just comment below.
Let’s get started.
Shea Weber vs. Ottawa (10/9/14)
Why not start the countdown with one of the first goals Nashville tallied this season? It was the first game in the Peter Laviolette era and the captain made it happen with an awesome wraparound goal past Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson.
Weber managed to wait out Anderson to coolly bury the backhander past the Senators netminder. This is a great goal to set the tone for the season.
The goal also typified that the Nashville defense would have a little more freedom and be able to join the rush under Laviolette’s watch.
Filip Forsberg vs. Edmonton (11/27/14)
We get the first of two entries from Prince Filip Forsberg on this list. (Both of which were submitted by fans.) Jeff Meisenhelder gave me this submission and the video comes from Drew Kirkman. He slows it down wonderfully to show how good this one truly is.
@DanMountSports #PriceFilip OT winner on Thanksgiving.
— Jeff Meisenhelder (@tatrtalk) August 19, 2015
Here’s the goal in real time.
Filip Forsberg vs. Colorado (1/27/15)
The second reader submission comes via Glynn Blackwell, who loved this goal by Forsberg against Semyon Varlamov.
@DanMountSports tough choice but I loved Forsberg's rebound after Varlamov paddled the puck the away at NSH.. Cat like reflexes!?
— G L Y N N E (@rebeccaglynne) August 12, 2015
This one showed quick reflexes and something that’s pretty standard for the young Swede. Forsberg won’t give up on a play and many of his goals come from when he follows up his own miss. It’s that type of instinct that’s a throwback to the old days.
His hustle led to many of his goals, and he might only by scratching the surface in his career.
James Neal vs. Washington (1/16/15)
This was one of the most emotional games in franchise history as former coach Barry Trotz returned to Nashville behind the visitor’s bench for the first time.
The game was a tight one, as the Predators got an early lead. However, Alex Ovechkin scored twice to tie the game.
James Neal stole the show in the end with this late-game winner with one minute, 40 seconds left in regulation to give Nashville a 4-3 win over Washington.
It was one of the biggest wins of the season that proved Nashville could hang with some of the top teams in the NHL.
Mattias Ekholm vs. Montreal (3/24/15)
Everyone talks about defensemen like Shea Weber, Roman Josi and Seth Jones, but let’s not forget about Mattias Ekholm’s prowess on the blueline.
Ekholm shows his offensive skill with this fine goal from his knees after being dragged down by Andrei Markov. Ekholm still manages to roof one past Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy winner Carey Price. This is one of the best of the season for any team.
This goal shows that the Predators D-men are a force on offense as well as defense. More of the same is to be expected this season.
What do you think of the list? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Dan Mount is a Nashville Predators staff writer for The Hockey Writers. You can follow him on Twitter, @DanMountSports. You can email him at drm7191980@yahoo.com.
