Predator. n. One that victimizes, plunders, or destroys, especially for one's own gain.
These beasts have existed in Nashville since before the turn of the century - 1998 to be exact - growing stronger with each passing year. They hunt in the US and Canada with the ultimate goal of one day drinking from Stanley's Cup.
An extremely volatile and cerebral assassin, the Predators of The Music City have been biding their time, waiting patiently in the bowels of the Western Conference basement until they summoned the strength to make their presence known.
Their first attack came in 2004 when they earned the eighth seed - their first-ever playoff berth - and faced the Red Wings of Detroit. A six-game exit made it evident that they were not yet ready; however, they had gained a taste for the post-season.
In 2006, the navy, silver and gold creatures would hit the 100-point plateau for the first time in their history and earned home ice advantage with a fourth-place finish. Many thought they would be much more dangerous playing in the confines of home, however, the Sharks of San Jose proved to be mightier beasts, disposing of the Predators in five games.
2007 would be an exact replica.
2008 would then prove to be a facsimile of 2004.
The Predators were wounded after 10 years of battle, having never found their way past the first round. Throttled and battle-worn in 2009, they failed to find the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.
A shake-up was needed.
"Our goal is to make the playoffs," rattled off new Predator Francois Bouillon, who joined the squad for the 2009-2010 campaign after migrating southwest from Montreal. "We've got a good group of guys and we're doing pretty well. I'm really happy to be part of this team."
What resulted in 2010 was a deceiving seventh-place finish, where the Preds finished just three points back of the third-place Canucks from Vancouver.
Now, the battle lines have officially been drawn. Nashville's radar reads simply: "Chicago Blackhawks". The war begins Friday, and it won't be for the faint of heart.
"We always battle every game," said Bouillon. "You never know what can happen in the playoffs. We just play hard every game and we'll see what happens at the end."
Bouillon and the Predators are no doubt ready to make their push in 2010. They have been on the wrong end for far too long.
Sure, no one is expecting Chicago to merely lie down in the Western Conference quarter-final, but the Blackhawks better know what they're up against. Jason Arnott and company have fought valiantly all season long in the marshes of the NHL's Central Division, travelling quietly under the radar, ready to strike when their prey least expects it.
The entire Western Conference should consider themselves warned, for predators strike quickly and they hunt to kill.
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