After last week’s article covering the NHL’s top 10 goal horns, it’s only fitting that we cover the top 10 goal songs this week. Each team’s goal horn and goal song are synonymous with each other. They rile up the crowd after each goal. One cannot live without the other.
Yet goal horns and goal songs are each distinct parts of the post-goal experience. It is critical to garner crowd involvement through the goal song, and bonus points are awarded if the song is somehow tailored to their specific team.
The right music can absolutely change any atmosphere. The “Seven Nation Army” Miami Heat entrance, “Zombie Nation” Penn State entrance and “Swag Surfin’” sing-a-long at Auburn are all legendary for this exact reason. So who does it best in hockey?
10. Tampa Bay Lightning
Not only does Tampa have the second-best goal horn in the league, but they also have an electric (pun intended) goal song. As soon as the horn ends, “Burn It To The Ground” by Nickelback fades in.
The hard rock song provides a concert-like feel that most goal songs lack. It’s an excellent song to use at the intersection of sports and music, the same reason the WWE used it as the “Monday Night RAW” theme in 2012.
9. Florida Panthers
Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning fans won’t like this one. The Panthers have forced Amerant Bank Arena to play their goal song numerous times throughout their past two Stanley Cup title runs.
The song, “Panthers Pulse” by Ownboss and Selva, is an easy song for fans to sing and chant along to. So, while the song may not give the rock concert feel that Tampa’s song has, it works better as a goal song.
8. Los Angeles Kings
The Kings, like many other NHL teams, have a lot of “hey”s in their goal song. “POWER RIDE 22” is upbeat and catchy, a perfect combo in a close game.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the song is the drums that come in about 15 seconds in. Some goal songs go through peaks and valleys, but the drums and electric guitar in the song keep it exciting all the way through.
7. Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton finally gets one over Florida, once again gets one over the Kings, and simultaneously makes up for their horrid goal horn. Anyone can easily replicate the entire goal song, except for the drum part, with their own voice.
The song “Fluxland” was released in the early 1990s, which coincides with the last time the Oilers won a Stanley Cup. Maybe the Oilers will update to an even better song when they win their next cup.
6. Minnesota Wild
The Wild use “Shout” by the Isley Brothers as their goal song. The legendary song prompts the crowd to join in, and could be played at any social gathering. Minnesota’s recent success indicates that we’ll be hearing this song a lot more in the coming years.
5. Montreal Canadiens
The legendary Montreal Canadiens get on this list after missing out on the top 10 goal horns ranking. Similar to the Kings’ song, the Canadiens’ song is catchy. The rhythm of the song alone can get any crowd going.
In addition, the Canadiens have a minor beat drop in their song, a small but certainly noticeable feature that most other teams don’t have.
4. Nashville Predators
Nashville is a city built on love for country music. Their goal song reflects that, as the Predators chose to use “I Like It, I Love It” by country artist Tim McGraw.
The goal song’s lyrics are customized for the team, too. The Predators changed the line “’bout that little gal’s lovin’” to “’bout the Predators scorin’.”
Although it’s not part of the song, fans always continue celebrating afterward, taunting the opposing goalie through their chants.
3. Boston Bruins
No one can ever go wrong with “Zombie Nation.” Being in one of the biggest hockey towns in America, TD Garden is always popping after Bruins goals. “Zombie Nation” is bound to get anyone singing anywhere, let alone when it’s thousands of drunk fans watching one of the most successful franchises in NHL history.
2. New York Rangers
Listening to “Slapshot” will send chills down any Rangers fan’s spine. Madison Square Garden is a sight to behold when it is filled to the brim with fans waving white towels, singing along. No other fanbase chants the word “HEY!” louder than Ranger fans when the song calls for it.
The Rangers previously used multiple different versions of the same song. Had they kept the version with the guitar in the background, they would undoubtedly hold first place on this list. But the team that does hold first place uses their electric guitar instrumental very well.
1. Dallas Stars
Not every team can get a famous band like Pantera to make their goal song. But that’s exactly what the Dallas Stars did. Pantera, a band from Arlington, Texas, created “Puck Off,” blending the best of all worlds. The song makes you feel like you’re at a concert while actively inviting crowd engagement and incorporating elite rhythm changes.
“Puck Off” is everything a goal song should be. It’s unique to both the team and the city. Every hockey fan should go to a Dallas Stars game at least once to experience it live, even if they aren’t a Stars fan.
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