My favorite thing about Nashville Predators player Steve Sullivan is his smile. Not many hockey players every really look like they are having a good time unless they have just scored or punched someone in the face. But Steve Sullivan looks like he’s having a blast no matter what is happening on the ice; a clear sign of a man who LOVES his job.

He’s been out with a hurt back for two seasons now and it really sucks. Although my Preds crush was on Paul Kariya (he’s gone now, but I still wear the jersey), my favorite player was and still is Sully.

It’s a happy day though because they say he’s making a comeback for tonight’s game. And I’m losing my mind a little.  What if he falls down? What if someone checks him? What if he gets hurt? What if he throws up on the ice because he’s so nervous. What if I throw up because I’m so nervous? What if I forget my Tootoo whistle again?

I tear up just reading this so I can’t imagine what I’ll do if/when Sully actually so much as steps blade on the ice plays tonight:

Steve Sullivan will take his pre-game nap, or at least attempt to, Saturday afternoon. He’ll eat his usual pre-game meal and take his normal route from his house to the Sommet Center in downtown Nashville.

He’ll be wearing a suit, just like he has for the last 76 Predators’ home games, but this time he’ll get a chance to change out of it. For the first time in 22 and a half months, Sullivan’s No. 26 jersey will be hanging in his locker stall Saturday night.

Are you bawling?! I am!

This town may be all about Titans/Ravens right now (just ask the 400 Ravens tailgaters in our parking lot out front. Then check the Facebook status of every person in Nashville) — but my heart/mind is on Sully’s comeback.  Go get’em dude.

I know there’s no crying in hockey, but I’ll be armed with a box of Kleenex if you need one.

UPDATE (10:53 p.m.): It was freakin’ awesome! Check out Sully’s return! …and no one threw up!

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