The trade that turned the hockey world upside down this summer has created one of the storylines that will dominate the 2016-17 season. It's a big reason why the Nashville Predators' home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks was on national TV Friday night and it's a good thing it was.
According to script, new addition P.K. Subban -- acquired in the blockbuster trade from the Montreal Canadiens for Preds captain Shea Weber -- scored on the first shot on net he took as a member of the Predators.
With the Preds on the power play in the first half of the first period, Ryan Johansen dished off a pass to Subban at the top of the point. The new defenseman uncorked a a perfect slap shot that found the lower right corner of the net, beating Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford clean. Bridgestone Arena nearly exploded.
Have a look and listen:
Subban also played to the crowd, giving an invisible lasso a twirl before going into his familiar one-knee celebration.
Welcome to Nashville, @PKSubban1. pic.twitter.com/NCQXGAKMS5
— NHL (@NHL) October 15, 2016
It was about as perfect an introduction to his new fans as Subban and the Predators could ask for. The goal tied the game and the crowd offered up a standing ovation all the way through the announcement of the goal.
It's pretty clear that Subban is being embraced by Nashville just as quickly as he has embraced the city following a trade that was clearly difficult for him personally. Getting that first goal right away is a good sign of what's to come in what could be a huge year for the Preds.
