from Mike Strobel of the Toronto Sun,

Nashville Predators are selling out home games faster ’n a scalded hound.

They’re at 26 already this season, a record. Those Tennessee hicks are making the storied Leafs look sick.

NASHVILLE?

Likely, you remember guffawing in 1998 when the NHL expanded to a small city best known for Hee Haw.

Well, he who laughs last ...

The Predators were expected to draw 17,113, a full house, for their game against Montreal Tuesday night — not all of them there just to see forward Mike Fisher’s wife, country star Carrie Underwood, and their new baby.

It’s a raucous crowd, too, known for being in their seats when the puck drops and for frequent standing ovations.

The Leafs, on the other hand, suffered their worst attendance ever at the Air Canada Centre against Minnesota on Monday night.

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