There probably isn't anyone who enjoyed the 2016 NHL All-Star festivities more than John Scott, but Barry Trotz might have something to say about that.
The Washington Capitals coach - who had a major hand in building up the sport in the community in his 15 seasons behind the Nashville Predators bench - reminisced about the city and franchise after it hosted a wildly successful All-Star Game.
"This year, to come back and see how the Predators have come along as an organization from the first days in '97 … we had a phone and a cord hanging from the roof, and that's how we started," Trotz said, according to Brian Compton of NHL.com.
"To see it now, it's fantastic. Obviously I've had a history here. One of the things I know about Nashville, Tenn., is that they know how to put on events, major events, and they do it right."
The feeling is mutual. The Bridgestone Arena offered the long-time coach a standing ovation moments before puck drop on the game. Trotz responded by blowing kisses to the crowd.
"When you've lived in this community and you know the people, the type of people that live in this community, former players, coaches, the whole city … I've always felt the support in Nashville."
Trotz is attracting similar admiration in Washington, where he's coached the Capitals to the best record in the NHL.
"Everyone says they want Barry back," Caps goalie Braden Holtby said. "But they're not getting him from us."
