2003 Nashville Predators

On June 25, 1997, the Predators joined the NHL when the league announced that four cities had been awarded expansion franchises: Nashville; Atlanta, Georgia; Columbus, Ohio; and Saint Paul, Minnesota. Businessman Craig Leipold is the majority owner of the Predators and serves as the team's chairman and chief executive officer. Davie Poile, former general manager of the Washington Capitals, is the team's general manager.

Barry Trotz is the Predators' head coach. Trotz coached the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League (AHL) to the Calder Cup during the 1994-95 season. That same year he was named AHL coach of the year. The Predators played their first season in 1998-99. Trotz led the team to a 28-47-7 win-loss-tie record.

The Predators first took the ice on October 10, 1998, where they lost 1-0 at home to the Florida Panthers. This season, Nashville is loaded -- Mike Dunham and Tomas Vokoun again should share duties at the NHL level, but former first-round draft pick Brian Finley is getting ready in the minors with Jan Lasak. Despite adding a handful of role-playing veterans in the offseason, Nashville remains committed to building from within. It's up to homegrown prospects like David Legwand, future captain Scott Hartnell, Martin Erat and 2002 first-rounder Scottie Upshall to produce. Kimmo Timonen is coming off a career season with 13 goals and 29 assists. He also hasn't missed a game over the last two seasons. Andy Delmore gives coach Barry Trotz another offensive threat from the blue line. The Nashville Predators play their home games at the Gaylord Entertainment Center, which is also home to special events as well as concerts.