NHL Playoffs 2011: Nashville Predators Advance Past First Round for First Time

Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

Nashville Predators Advance Past First Round for First Time in the 2011 NHL Playoffs

For the first time in franchise history, the Nashville Predators advanced to the second round of the playoffs by beating the Anaheim Ducks in six games.

The one and done mantra has surrounded Nashville since their first playoff run, but give the organization credit for sticking with head coach Barry Trotz through all the turmoil.

Predators head coach Barry Trotz told the Tennessean:

I’m happy and relieved, both. Number one, I’m happy because of the resiliency and the group that worked so hard all year. And I’m relieved because there is a little bit of a cloud that we wanted to get to the next round. We’re making history. We’re a young franchise that is trying to go deep.

Must Read: NHL History: Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and the Top 100 Players of All Time

For all of the success of the Predators, it could be the sad end to a storied NHL career.

Ducks head coach randy Carlyle told the LA Times:

Nobody tried harder, nobody cared more, nobody did more in this series than Teemu Selanne. And it's an emotional time for him right now, because of what happened. There is always that looming thing, 'Is this the last one?' I'm sure he doesn't want to go out feeling the way he does right now.

Teemu Selanne was one of the best players to ever hit the ice in the NHL and his rookie records are legendary (76 goals and 132 points).

If he does retire, the NHL will not only be losing a great player, but a solid person on and off the ice.

Most recent updates:

Flag

Props (0)