The Preds’ 2015-16 post-season was already one for the books — the team played their first Game 7 in franchise history (and won!), defeating the Anaheim Ducks in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Then in Round 2’s Game 4, against the San Jose Sharks, the Preds broke the franchise record for longest game played, clocking in at over 111 minutes. Game 6 followed suit — both the series and the game were tied 3-3 by the end of regulation, and like the others, this contest was not going to be settled easily. The possibility of another 100-plus-minute hockey game loomed. Then, just two minutes into overtime, the man they call Aardvark swooped in and snagged the puck after a Shark failed to gain control after a bad pass. Every fan in Bridgestone collectively held their breath, a barrage of will-he-won’t-he scenarios playing out in their minds: WILL HE SHOOT IT? SHOULD HE SHOOT IT?! OH MY GOD HE FUCKING SHOT IT! The backhand shot hit the cross pipe, and thousands of hearts stopped. The puck bounced down, crossing the goal line in midair. Cheers from Bridgestone could be heard across the Cumberland. The Preds eventually lost Game 7, and the Sharks went on to battle the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (the Pens won), but for that night, in that moment, it felt like the Music City Miracle all over again. MEGAN SELING
Best Goal
Viktor Ardvisson
