Golden Knights vs Predators Quiz: Are You Ice-Cold or Clueless?

The Vegas Golden Knights represent Las Vegas, Nevada. They were the first major professional sports franchise based in the city and brought NHL hockey to the desert. Their unique origin story, immediate impact on the league, and Vegas-style presentation have made them one of the most exciting and fast-growing fanbases in the NHL.

The Golden Knights joined the NHL in 2017, making them newer than the Nashville Predators, who were established in 1998. Vegas made a historic run to the Stanley Cup Final in their first year, an unprecedented feat for an expansion team and a key reason for their instant credibility.

As of the 2023 season, the Golden Knights play in the Pacific Division, while the Predators are in the Central Division. So they’re not in the same division, though they often meet in heated Western Conference matchups. These games draw intensity from shared playoff aspirations and stylistic contrasts.

One of the most iconic Predators traditions is throwing catfish on the ice, similar to Detroit’s octopus throw. Fans toss catfish during home games, especially in the playoffs, as a gritty, chaotic symbol of support. It’s become a national headline ritual, reinforcing Nashville’s uniquely wild hockey culture.

By 2023, the Vegas Golden Knights had won more playoff series than the Nashville Predators. Vegas has consistently qualified for the postseason since their debut and even won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Nashville had a solid run in the mid-2010s, but Vegas’ early dominance gave them the edge in wins.

The Nashville Predators play at Bridgestone Arena, located in downtown Nashville. It’s one of the loudest venues in the NHL, especially during playoff time. The arena is central to “Smashville” culture, known for country music tie-ins and traditions like the national anthem being sung by surprise celebrity artists.

Nashville fans are famously known as Smashville, a nickname that represents both the city and the team’s intense, physical playing style. The brand has grown into a cultural identity that includes pregame concerts, catfish rituals, and a city-wide celebration of the sport, especially during deep playoff runs.

The Golden Knights debuted in 2017, entering the NHL as an expansion team. Despite being brand new, they shocked the league with one of the most successful inaugural seasons in sports history, reaching the Stanley Cup Final and setting a new standard for what an expansion team could achieve.

Gerard Gallant was the first-ever head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. He led the team through their historic inaugural season and helped shape their aggressive, high-speed playing style. Gallant’s leadership helped set the tone for the franchise and earned him NHL Coach of the Year honors in 2018.

Pekka Rinne became a franchise legend for the Nashville Predators, known for his tall frame, quick glove, and signature yellow goalie mask. He led the Preds to their first Stanley Cup Final in 2017 and won the Vezina Trophy in 2018. His jersey was retired in 2022, a rare honor in hockey.