Before that game, Barry Trotz wanted some ideas on how to entertain the fathers. Someone mentioned that perhaps they might like to take in the "Canadian Ballet" across the border in Fort Erie, Ontario. A bus was chartered to take them there and got them to the game just in time. They caused a bit of a ruckus in the stands, but all was well as they moved on to New Jersey.
In New Jersey, they would face another eventual Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender in Martin Brodeur. Brodeur already had one Cup win (1995) on his resume and would add two others (2000 and 2003).
On a Saturday afternoon
, the Devils built a 2-0 lead in the first period, but the Predators came back. They did so in dramatic fashion.
It was simply an unbelievable beginning to a great tradition.
There was another memorable sweep of a Fathers Trip in 2006, but it wasn't as easy as it sounds. It started on Nov. 29 in Philadelphia. Who would have figured it would be almost 75 degrees in the Northeast at that point in time?
Martin Erat got the game winner
, helping out Chris Mason in goal that Wednesday night in Philadelphia, then it was on to St. Louis, for a Thursday meeting with the Blues.
That afternoon, an ice storm hit St. Louis, keeping many fans away - and arena workers as well. However, the game went on. Jordin Tootoo not only
broke the tie in the third period
, but also got into a fight with Eric Brewer, and Alex Radulov produced the eventual game-winner.