Perhaps it was the gentle ribbing by Jets forward Blake Wheeler that the noise level in their arena wasn't natural, or maybe it was just a stroke of genius.
Whatever the motivation, Predators fans brought it in a big way prior to the start of Game 5 at Bridgestone Arena Saturday.
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Nashville has made it a tradition to throw a catfish onto the ice prior to puck drop. In the playoffs, the catfish come out more frequently and more creatively, dressed up for the occasion. But Saturday wasn't only a pivotal Game 5 in a best-of-seven series tied 2-2, it was also May 5, more commonly known as Cinco de Mayo.
Cue the catfish!
CINCO DE MAYO THEMED CATFISH pic.twitter.com/OKh3KI2UBy
— Evan Sporer (@ev_sporer) May 6, 2018
The playoffs really seem to bring the best out of the Bridgestone Arena catfish carriers. During the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, a scaly friend made it onto the ice wearing a bedazzled top hat and with a plus penguin in its mouth (you will recall the Predators faced the Pittsburgh Penguins in that series).
MORE: Angry Predators fan mails dead catfish to NHL HQ
The catfish haven't only been for throwing in this series. Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Taylor Lewan used one as a beer luge prior to Game 2 to help pump the crowd up.
Only time will tell how the Nashville faithful will creatively use or dress up a catfish next.