The local fans that came out to see their four Nashville Predators representatives at the 2016 NHL All-Star Game got exactly what they came for.
Central Division coach Lindy Ruff started James Neal, Roman Josi, Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne to pander to the home crowd. The place went nuts.
Then, before the game could even get settled, Neal roared through the slot and wristed a shot past Jonathan Quick. Again, the place went nuts.
Here is a look at the James Neal go just prior to Scott tying things up #Preds #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/pyJTiGb8mt
— Mark Harris (@MCHisTweeting) January 31, 2016
Goals started coming in from the Pacific Division, including a memorable moment by John Scott, but Neal wasn’t finished. He gave the home team a 2-2 tie just as quick as he did the first time.
The Real Deal pots his second goal of the afternoon. #NHLAllStar #Preds pic.twitter.com/atJARAzkQr
— Thomas Willis (@TomAWillis) January 31, 2016
The game ops grew zoomed in on his face on the bench after the second goal, and the forward was beaming. He’s having as much fun as we are.
Unfortunately, the Predators night would end as they were downed by the Pacific by a 9-6 score. At least Josi found his way on to the score sheet.
Roman Josi scores but the Pacific takes it by a count of 9-6 #NHLAllStar #Preds: pic.twitter.com/fkD2V3cJtO
— Mark Harris (@MCHisTweeting) February 1, 2016