It’s a disappointing end to an already tough season for the Nashville Predators, who lost their bid for the Stanley Cup after being defeated by the Arizona Coyotes on Friday, August 7, in overtime. Team captain Roman Josi spoke out about the disappointing loss, in a statement shared on social media.
“This hurts … and it’s going to hurt for a while,” Roman began. “The team didn’t achieve our ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup, but just like our fans, our passion and our resiliency will not waver. We’ll take a few days to reflect on the moments we’ve shared this past season and more importantly how our city came together and showed we’re Smashville Strong.
“On behalf of the entire team, thank you for the support you have given to our entire organization,” he continued. “We look forward to playing in front of you again, the best fans in all of sports, where we will start a new chapter together in our quest for the Stanley Cup.”
A note #ForSmashville from @rjosi90. 💛 pic.twitter.com/n9VmVIYRdK
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) August 9, 2020
The Nashville Predators is one of 24 teams initially invited to compete for the Stanley Cup, as part of the National Hockey League’s Return to Play plan, created after the season was forced to be drastically altered as a result of COVID-19. The Preds knew going in that the games, which will be played in Edmonton and Toronto for the duration of the season, without any fans in the stands, would be challenging.
“If there is an asterisk [next to winning the Stanley Cup in 2020], it’s because it’s a harder process to win, not easier,” Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis told the Nashville Post.
“I kind of agree [with Ellis],” defenseman Mattias Ekholm added. “In a normal run, you know what you can expect. You’re home for a bit and you can still be with your family…on the ice too, just to get your body ready in the summer. It’s nothing that we’re usually faced with. So, there’s a lot going into this and I think [Ellis] is onto something there; it’s going to be really hard.”
This season was about more than just hockey. It was about coming together to show compassion to those around us and support our community like never before.
It's not the ending we wanted, but it will be a season we never forget.
We love you Smashville. Stay safe. 💛
— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) August 7, 2020
The Predators also issued a statement after the disappointing loss.
“This season was about more than just hockey,” the Preds tweeted. “It was about coming together to show compassion to those around us and support our community like never before. It’s not the ending we wanted, but it will be a season we never forget. We love you Smashville. Stay safe.”
