Predators relish franchise history but focus on Stanley Cup
Adam Vingan
It was as if Colton Sissons had awoken from a glorious dream Tuesday morning.
The night before, the forward notched a hat trick in the most significant win in Predators history, scoring the game-winning goal to propel the team to its first Stanley Cup Final.
He didn't allow himself to bask in it for too long.
“It’s still a little bit surreal," Sissons said. "Just a great feeling for our team, myself, the city, everybody. It’s just a special feeling. We’ve got a little bit of work to do yet, but just really happy for everybody here in Nashville.”
You have to hand it to hockey players. At least they are consistent with their one-day-at-a-time mantra, even when history already has been made.
A new banner will adorn the rafters at Bridgestone Arena next season. It will read "Nashville Predators, 2016-17 Western Conference champions."
The Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, which players didn't touch during the trophy presentation Monday evening, is displayed inside the team's main office. The Predators' name will be added to the base.
The NHL's official records always will reflect that accomplishment, but nobody thumbs through the record book to examine the rosters of conference champions.
That research won't be necessary if the Predators win the Stanley Cup. All you would have to do is read the names etched into the trophy.
"I don’t think (anybody) is going to remember that a couple years from now," Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne said of the Western Conference crown. "Don’t get me wrong; it’s a huge accomplishment and I’m sure I’ll realize that over the summer when time goes past. But right now, my focus is so much (on) the final."
Formal preparations for the Stanley Cup Final won't begin until Friday, when the Predators will start studying the Pittsburgh Penguins. Game 1 is Monday at PPG Paints Arena (7 p.m., NBC/102.5-FM).
After a day off Tuesday, the Predators reconvened Wednesday to "kind of put the last couple days to bed and turn the page," coach Peter Laviolette said.
"Just looking forward and just looking at what we have to do work-wise this week to keep ourselves at the top of our game," Sissons said of what the team discussed in that meeting.
Players then gathered at defenseman Roman Josi's home Wednesday evening for a barbecue, relishing the opportunity at hand over grilled steaks.
“I brought apparently a $20 bottle of wine that nobody wanted to open," Predators defenseman P.K. Subban said.
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Even the cheapest wine will taste delicious when sipped from the bowl of the Stanley Cup.
"You don't get too many opportunities like this, when you make it to the final two teams," Subban said. "These opportunities don't come often, so when you get them, you try to make the best of them. It's a hell of an opportunity for this hockey club. We're excited. We're ready for it."
Fisher update: Predators captain Mike Fisher practiced Thursday as he prepares for a possible return for Game 1 on Monday. He has missed the past two games with an undisclosed injury.
“I feel pretty good," Fisher said. "I've skated a few days here. I’m still not cleared, but it felt good to get out there with the guys.
“The goal is to be back obviously at the start, but we’ll see how it goes here in the next little while.”
Predators general manager David Poile said Wednesday that there is a "real good chance" that Fisher will be ready to play by the start of the Stanley Cup Final.
Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.
STANLEY CUP FINAL
PREDATORS vs. PENGUINS
All games at 7 p.m. CT and broadcast on 102.5-FM
Monday: at Pittsburgh (NBC)
Wednesday: at Pittsburgh (NBC SN)
June 3: at Nashville (NBC SN)
June 5: at Nashville (NBC)
x — June 8: at Pittsburgh (NBC)
x — June 11: at Nashville (NBC)
x — June 14: at Pittsburgh (NBC)
x — if necessary