Predators coach to fans: Keep catfish off ice in Game 4

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Predators coach to fans: Keep catfish off ice in Game 4

Ben Schmitt | Monday, June 5, 2017 8:21 p.m.

Ben Schmitt | Tribune-Review

Wholey’s Fish Market in the Strip District plans to take extraordinary steps in keeping the unlikely whiskered predators away from PPG Paints Arena during Penguins home games.

This catfish throwing thing may have jumped the shark, even in Nashville.

Nashville Predators head coach Peter Laviolette pleaded with fans Monday to refrain from throwing the bottom-feeding fish or anything else on the ice when the team hosts the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

In a video posted on the Predators' Twitter account, Laviolette said tossing catfish on to the ice could lead to a penalty.

PSA from Head Coach Peter Laviolette. pic.twitter.com/UyMuWDCneJ

— Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) June 5, 2017

"Hey, everyone. Showing good sportsmanship is part of being good citizens of Smashville," the hockey coach said. "That means not throwing anything on the ice, putting both our players and the officials in danger. Help us secure our home-ice advantage and prevent us from being penalized for unnecessary reasons. Please don't throw anything on the ice and thank you for being the best fans in the National Hockey League."

NBC Sports reported that "unofficially five catfish were thrown on the ice" during Game 3 on Saturday.

No penalties were issued, but referees can assess 2-minute, delay-of-game penalties for bad fan behavior.

Preds fans may be willing to take that risk: The Penguins are 1-for-13 so far on power plays. The only power-play goal came when the Penguins had a five-on-three advantage in Game 1.

Game 4 begins at 8 p.m. tonight.

Ben Schmitt is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-320-7991, bschmitt@tribweb.com or via Twitter at @Bencschmitt.