I just read the most infuriating take on
why Predators fans hate the Chicago Blackhawks. I hate even having to link to the nonsense for reference. Normally drivel such as this doesn't deserve a response, but the writer spewed so much garbage I felt like I needed to clean it up.
Right away I knew this was written by someone who probably still owns all of his participation trophies when he wrote, "If the Nashville Predators’ 2016-17 playoff run ended in the second round, many Preds fans would have been happy" because "At least the Predators swept those *insert expletive here* Blackhawks."
This is such a loser's way of looking at a team. I'll never subscribe to the "at least we beat our rivals" doctrine. If your team's goal isn't to win the championship every season, then they're playing for all the wrong reasons.
It's also apparent that he hasn't been a hockey fan for very long. That is because if he knew anything about hockey history, it's that EVERY team that makes the playoffs has a chance to win the Stanley Cup. Since 2010 only one number one seed has won The Cup and a 4,6 and 8 have won in that time.
From then on he went on to take shots at specific pieces of the organization. Each argument softer than the previous.
Patrick Kane
It started off just fine when he pointed to Kane's success against the Predators as a reason to hate the Blackhawks. Kane's 51 points in 54 career games against the Preds is a good reason but then he started throwing cheap shots.
He then said that Kane was a sore loser and whined about Nashville's style of play when he didn't have success. Obviously this guy misinterpreted Kane's quote, "I don't know if that's necessarily the best way to watch hockey games."
What he meant is that no one wants to watch Nashville. Face it, they're not a hockey sweetheart. Fans and the NHL alike know that they're a ratings nightmare. It's likely that most people tuning into their games for The Cup Final wanted to see who sang The Star-Spangled Banner more than the hockey.
He didn't stop there and used Kane's off ice issues as a reason to hate the Blackhawks. He hates and organization for one player's mistakes? Kane has already paid the price.
As for the "case that magicially went away," there's three sides to every story. His, hers and the truth. Something tells me he doesn't know the truth. None of us do.
Jordin Tootoo
Yeah, he played for the Predators for awhile and now plays for the Blackhawks. He's not an impact player and has been healthy scratched a lot in Chicago.
This person is already stretching at reasons to hate the Blackhawks.
Be happy that Tootoo gave the Predators some bulletin board material when he said, "It finally feels great to be on the right side."
The Fans
You've obviously never been to Chicago. Blackhawks fans aren't in your face because we think we're better. We're in your face because that's the way Chicagoans are in anything we do. We're hardworking, passionate and want to win. Even if it is just an argument.
When I said I don't think this guy has ever been to Chicago, I meant that I don't think he's ever left Nashville.
He said he understands why Blackhawks fans flock to Nashville because "Have you been to Chicago lately?"
Seriously? How about great views, architecture, museums, music, diversity, restaurants and don't forget our sports teams. You know, the ones that fans care about and don't base success on beating rivals, but winning championships.
If Chicago is "The Second City." What is Nashville? The 37th city?
Chelsea Dagger
For some reason this as listed as a reason to hate the Blackhawks but the writer never states the reasoning. All he mentioned was constantly hearing it during the Blackhawks "reign of terror" in the early 2010s. Well it didn't end in the "early 2010s," it continued into the mids and isn't done yet. You're not done hearing it.
Blackhawks Crest
As this list of reasons carried on he gave less and less reasons to support hating aspects of the Blackhawks. He listed the crest as a reason but went on to say how great it was and finished with a half-brained thought.
"It’s annoying when somebody beats you. It’s worse if they look good while doing it."
The Stanley Cups
At least he respects the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup victories but never considered the Predators as a serious contender. If you want the Blackhawks and their fans to take you seriously, you need to take yourself seriously.
The goal of an organization and its fans should be to win The Stanley Cup, every year. Not beat their rivals.
Yeah, the Blackhawks will always have being an "Original Six" team over the Predators but they've won three Stanley Cups in the Preds' existence. No one is holding the first three against your organization. The Predators have made the playoffs in 10 of the last 13 seasons and have arrived as a real organization.
I love the rivalry that the Blackhawks and Predators have right now. I don't hate the Predators but dislike the pettiness of this article, the high school car smash and "Keep The Red Out." Grow up and act like a real organization so we can treat you like one.
Ask the Detroit Red Wings how that goes.
Follow @Pappy_Hour on Twitter for more Blackhawks news and musings. 
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