Second Round Elimination vs St. Louis Blues (2019)
The Predators are Nashville's original professional hockey team, bringing Smilodon spirit to Bridgestone Arena.
The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee, competing in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference. The team has played its home games at Bridgestone Arena since 1998.
Quick Facts
- Series result
- St. Louis wins series 4-2
- Game date
- May 16, 2019
- Location
- Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
- Final score
- St. Louis 5, Nashville 3
- Key moment
- Goalie Jordan Binnington's shutout performance in Game 4 and strong play throughout the series
- Playoff round
- Western Conference Semifinals
Lore & Background
The Predators were founded in 1997 as an NHL expansion franchise, beginning play in the 1998–99 season. They qualified for their first Stanley Cup playoffs in the 2003–04 season. In 2008, ownership was transferred from Craig Leipold to a locally based group. The Predators advanced to their first Stanley Cup Final in 2017, losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. The following season, they won their first Presidents' Trophy and Central Division title.
Reader's Guide
The Predators are currently affiliated with two minor league teams: the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL. The team's home arena is Bridgestone Arena.
Franchise Origins and Identity
The Nashville Predators emerged from a determined push to bring professional hockey to Tennessee, evolving from early rumors about relocating the New Jersey Devils into a standalone expansion franchise. In January 1997, businessman Craig Leipold led a formal bid that succeeded after league officials witnessed massive local support during an arena tour. Unlike other candidate cities, Nashville possessed a completed facility, allowing them to begin play in the 1998–99 season after meeting strict ticket sales requirements. The team's identity was forged through a fan vote and Leipold's personal submission, settling on "Predators" to honor a saber-toothed cat skeleton discovered beneath downtown Nashville in 1971. This unique branding connected the franchise deeply to local history. Financially, the city of Nashville invested significantly, covering over thirty percent of the expansion fee and securing agreements against arena operating losses. Under the leadership of General Manager David Poile and Head Coach Barry Trotz, the organization established itself as a permanent fixture in the Central Division, becoming one of only two professional sports teams in the state never to have relocated from another city.
Early Struggles and Global Expansion
The Predators' inaugural years were defined by growing pains and ambitious international outreach. Entering the league via an expansion draft that limited their player choices due to team protections, they struggled initially, finishing near the bottom of the Western Conference in both 1998–99 and 1999–2000. Despite these early deficits, the franchise made headlines by taking the game global, playing two exhibition games against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Japan's Saitama Super Arena during the 2000–01 season. These matches drew record-breaking crowds for Japanese hockey, with thousands of fans attending and a dedicated group traveling all the way from Tennessee to support their new team. Domestically, progress was slow but steady; it took until December 2001 to reach their hundredth victory. A turning point arrived in June 2003 when Nashville hosted the NHL Entry Draft, selecting future captain Shea Weber and top pick Ryan Suter. These strategic moves laid the groundwork for their first playoff appearance in 2004, ending a five-season wait despite an eventual elimination by the Detroit Red Wings.
Post-Lockout Resurgence and Playoff Pedigree
Following the league-wide labor dispute that canceled the 2004–05 season, the Predators entered a new era of competitiveness marked by aggressive free agency signings. The acquisition of Paul Kariya helped propel the team to an historic start in 2005–06, becoming only the fourth franchise in NHL history to begin a season with eight straight wins. That year, they secured home-ice advantage for the first time and posted an impressive thirty-two-game winning record at Bridgestone Arena, though their playoff run ended against the San Jose Sharks. The team continued to build depth by adding veteran center Jason Arnott during the subsequent offseason. This period of sustained improvement culminated in a remarkable trajectory over the next decade, leading to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2017. Although they fell short against the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, that run validated years of development. The following season saw them capture their first Presidents' Trophy and Central Division title, cementing their status as a powerhouse within the Western Conference.
Organizational Stability and Local Legacy
The Predators represent a unique model of stability within professional sports, distinguished by their deep roots in Tennessee and consistent local ownership structure. After five seasons of operation, the team qualified for its first Stanley Cup playoffs, signaling that the initial investment was yielding results. A significant shift occurred in 2008 when control transferred from founder Craig Leipold to a locally based ownership group, ensuring the franchise remained under community stewardship rather than distant corporate interests. This continuity has allowed the Predators to develop strong relationships with their minor league affiliates, including the Milwaukee Admirals and Atlanta Gladiators, creating a robust pipeline for player development. As of 2026, the team stands alongside Nashville SC as one of only two professional sports franchises in Tennessee that were not transplants from other cities, unlike the Titans or Grizzlies. Their journey from an expansion experiment to a division champion highlights the successful integration of hockey into Southern culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the 2019 Second Round series between the Predators and Blues?
The St. Louis Blues defeated the Nashville Predators in six games, winning the Western Conference Semifinal series 4-2 to advance further in the playoffs.
Where and when did the decisive Game 6 elimination take place?
Nashville suffered this heartbreaking loss on May 16, 2019, at their home ice, Bridgestone Arena, ending their season with a 5-3 final score.
Why is Jordan Binnington considered pivotal in this series?
Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington delivered an incredible shutout in Game 4 and maintained elite performance throughout the series to anchor St. Louis' victory.
What historic milestone did Nashville miss because of this elimination?
This loss prevented the Predators from reaching their first-ever Western Conference Final, marking a painful near-miss for the franchise after a deep playoff run.
How is this match remembered in Predators history?
Fans view this game as a defining moment of heartbreak where narrow margins and the dominance of St. Louis' 'Core Four' ultimately ended Nashville's championship hopes.
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