Here are our top five favorite Mike Fisher moments as a member of the Nashville Predators.
MOMENT #1: The Goal at 1:03am
In a game unlike Smashville had ever personally witnessed, Mike Fisher provided a story those in attendance will tell their grandkids about. After 111:12 of hockey (and some close calls on both ends of the ice), the Preds captain corralled a Martin Jones rebound and ended the longest game in franchise history. The goal sent the sold out Bridgestone Arena into a frenzy and Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg falling onto the ice trying to jump over the bench. It’s number one on our countdown because, let’s face it, you’ve already clicked “play” below four times.
MOMENT #2: The 1,000th Game Celebration
Despite having a home game immediately following his 1,000th game, the powers that be delayed Fisher’s official celebration until his wife, Carrie Underwood, could get away from her tour long enough to join him on the ice for the presentation of the silver stick. It was a rare moment in which we got to see them together, complete with new son Isaiah in tow.
MOMENT #3: The Captaincy
Following what most called the biggest one-for-one trade in NHL history, Nashville needed to name another captain. Shea Weber was dealt to the Montreal Canadiens for fellow defenseman PK Subban and, therefore, there was a vacancy with the “C.” The players voted and the choice was clear. On September 8, 2016, Mike Fisher became the sixth captain of the Nashville Predators.
MOMENT #4: The Diving Chip Pass
In the second period of (obviously) a monumental game in franchise history, Nashville led Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final 2-1 in a series they trailed 2-1. A win would mean a best-of-three the rest of the way out and, possibly, the team’s first Cup. In the closing half of the middle frame, Fisher stumbled trying to keep the puck away from all-world superstar Evgeni Malkin in the neutral zone. As a result, he did what great players do. He improvised. The result was a ridiculous diving chip pass up and over the stick of Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz to a streaking Viktor Arvidsson who would go glove side on Matt Murray to pot his first goal since the opening round of the playoffs.
MOMENT #5: The Accolade
Fisher was never a guy who was going to put up 40 goals in a season or 80 points in a campaign. He was, however, an intense two-way player who could be depended on in any situation. His heart was always in the right place and coaches, fans and teammates alike all knew, despite his lack of “flash,” he would always give his best for the cause. But that didn’t just apply to playing the sport he loved. That translated to his work in the community as well. And, in 2012, he was honored with the NHL’s Foundation Award, given annually to the player “who applies the core values of hockey — commitment, perseverance and teamwork — to enrich the lives of people in his community.” For all his work at Room In the Inn and beyond, “community involvement” was synonymous with “Mike Fisher” and that’s something we should all, as humans — not just professional athletes — strive for.
HONORABLE MENTION #1: The Chiclet
The Anaheim/Nashville rivalry is an unexpected one considering they’re two time zones away from each other but there’s no denying the long storied hatred these two teams share. On November 17, 2015, in front of the Preds faithful, Fisher dropped the mitts with Ducks defenseman Kevin Bieksa. As Stu Grimson points out at the end of the video, Bieksa lost more than just the fight.
HONORABLE MENTION #2: The Interview
That time on Access Hollywood when he interviewed his wife on the red carpet and it was super awkward. (Also, Carrie mentions later in the video: “I always tell him ‘When you retire, you need to be a commentator. You’re pretty. You’re smart. You’re funny.'” Of course, she then goes onto question his knowledge of pop music which makes it even more hilarious.)
What’s your favorite moment of Fisher’s career? Tweet us at @1025thegame to let us know!
Photo credit: Nashville Predators
