If pressing needs for the Wild are put in any kind of order, scoring goals is high on the list — and deciding what song to play when those goals are scored at Xcel Energy Center is much further down the list.
But a good organization pays attention to all details, big and small. And it also listens to its fans. As such, a movement with roots in tragedy is gaining steam as a permanent feel-good story.
The Wild traditionally has played Joe Satriani's "Crowd Chant" after the home team scores a goal. You might not know what it's called, but it is VERY recognizable, even if you're just a marginal Wild fan. As far as goal songs go, you can do far worse. Some even think the Wild's song is among the best in the NHL.
But when Minnesota music legend Prince died in April, the Wild paid homage by temporarily using "Let's Go Crazy" as its goal song in Game 6 of the first round of the playoffs.
A lot of fans loved it, and some people — myself included — wondered if the song's use should be more than temporary. When the Wild scored four goals in the third period of a frantic comeback that fell just short, the Prince song felt as if it played a role in the energy of the building.
Power to the people: The Wild is listening. The organization recently sent an e-mail to season-ticket holders with a five-question survey attached. After querying fans about expectations and the Wild's brand, the final question was this:
"After Prince passed away in April, a few fans reached out to see if the Wild would consider changing the home ice goal celebration song to 'Let's Go Crazy', in honor of the legendary Minnesota artist. We did use it as our goal song for Game 6 against Dallas. We thought it would be a good time to ask our best fans, our Season Ticket Holders, what they thought. Should the Wild change the home ice goal celebration song at Xcel Energy Center?"
Survey takers were presented with these options: Keep the current song; change to "Let's Go Crazy"; or change the song, but offer more options — with the ability to recommend a specific song.