NHL goal song rankings: From grunge to Jock Jams and everything in between

Goal songs in NHL arenas are a perfect way to bring home fans to their feet in celebration. They’re an extension of the joy one feels when their favorite team has scored a goal, whether to open a game or to cap off an overtime thriller. Some songs have been staples in their arena for quite some time, while others are newer, as teams try to modernize their fan experience.

But not all goal songs are created equally.

We (Mark Lazerus, Scott Powers and Julian McKenzie) asked The Athletic’s subscribers to rate every NHL goal song from 1-10 (10 being the best), so we could determine once and for all which team has the best one. More than 2,500 of you took the challenge. Here are the results, with your comments (and some of our own).

(Note: The Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals use only individual songs for each player, so they’re not included in this ranking.)

1. Seattle Kraken: ‘Lithium’ by Nirvana (6.63 average)

Lazerus: This is almost cheating, picking an all-time song from an all-time band. But it’s Seattle, man. It works.

Powers: Laz, I’m shocked you didn’t make a push for Pearl Jam instead. I do think “Leash” would make for a great goal song somewhere.

Reader comments:

• “Lithium instantly became one of the best goal songs in the league. Using a legendary local band just makes it even better.”
• “Nirvana’s Lithium. Hands down. The best.”

2. Ottawa Senators: ‘Song 2’ by Blur (6.54)

Lazerus: This was the Penguins’ goal song back when I covered them right out of school TWENTY-TWO years ago. The classics never die.

McKenzie: Can’t beat the classics. Even with “Song 2,” a song that has seemingly been associated with some kind of sport since its release.

Reader comments:

• “Song 2 has been used in Ottawa for YEARS. Please select a new goal song. Love, Sens fan”
• “Not a Sens fan, but Song 2 is absolutely the greatest goal song of the last 20 years.”
• “I am sure music freaks are going to drool over Ottawa using a Blur song. NO. It is a BAD CHOICE for a goal song. a goal song is supposed to make people CHANT and GO CRAZY and think YEAH WE ARE GOING TO F—— KILL THIS GUY.”
• “Song 2 is so simple and to the point. Woo-hoo. Don’t need to say anymore. It’s perfect.”

3. Chicago Blackhawks: ‘Chelsea Dagger’ by The Fratellis (6.48)

Powers: Put me in the category of the Blackhawks needing a change. The song defines the period of the three Stanley Cups. It’s time for something different. There are so many great Chicago musicians to choose from, too.

Lazerus: The song that haunts my dreams. Well, less so this season because they so rarely score goals.

Reader comments:

• “Can’t stand the Blackhawks but Chelsea Dagger is objectively the best song in the league.”
• “I truly can’t stand Chelsea Dagger and hope they don’t get Bedard so I don’t have to hear it as often.”
• “Chelsea Dagger is the definition of either you love it or hate it. Personally I…