Chris Apel Sports Tour: Game 8 of 122

Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena (vs Washington Capitals):

A quick over-night trip down I-65 to Nashville (or Smashville as the Predators call it) allowed me to check off the first hockey game from my list. It was also the first hockey game ever for the kids. With some ticket connections, I was able to get seats in a suite on the blue-line. As a result, I may have set the expectations too high for the kids that all games will be like this – great seats, easy to see all the action, private TV, food and drinks, private bathroom, etc. I think a nice game in the nose-bleed seats might be in order to provide them with a dose of reality.

Hockey happens to be my favorite sport to watch in person, but living in Louisville provides little opportunity to see a game; which is why I was very excited for the chance to take in a game this early in the season. Nashville has a great arena located right downtown with easy access to restaurants and hotels. We arrived in town early afternoon, grabbed a bite to eat with Deb’s childhood friend and husband, did a little swimming in the hotel pool (always a hit with the kids), spent the evening at the game and headed home in the morning.

Predators first goal.

As for the game, the Predators dominated through the first two periods, holding a 2-0 lead entering the third period. However, the Capitals came storming back to tie it up in the third period and won it on a goal in overtime. I’m obviously a Penguin fan when it comes to hockey, but six years spent in the Washington DC area have made us somewhat Caps fans as well. However, it is funny how easy it was to get wrapped up in the home team excitement and we quickly found ourselves cheering against the Caps.