Every NHL fan wants to hear it played over and over: their favorite team’s goal song.
For years, goal songs have signaled joy in NHL arenas. Whether they’re played after a game-opening goal or to mark the ending of an overtime thriller, these tunes can carry the weight of nostalgia and team history. Or they might be more of the moment as teams try to modernize the fan experience.
This week, The Athletic asked its NHL staff to rate every goal song on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best), based on personal opinions and how the tune fits the team.
For teams with multiple songs, ratings were combined. In the case of teams using different songs for individual players, we rated the captain’s song.
What do you think of your favorite team’s goal song? Which one do you like the most league-wide? Let us know in the comments.
Anaheim Ducks
“Coming For You” by The Offspring
Rating: 5/10
It’s nowhere near my favorite track from The Offspring and I’m still not sure how I feel about the words “sold out, blow out, Donkey Kong” as part of a song’s chorus but I’ll give points for venturing away from the longtime usage of Pennywise’s “Bro Hymn (Tribute)” while sticking with another SoCal band that is even from Orange County, where the Ducks are based. From a promotion angle, the Ducks and The Offspring have collaborated a lot in recent years, so maybe it’s part of the deal? — Eric Stephens
Boston Bruins
“Kernkraft 400” by Zombie Nation
Rating: 5/10
It’s OK. Nothing great. Nothing awful. How about some freshness in the future? — Fluto Shinzawa
Buffalo Sabres
“Kickstart My Heart” by Mötley Crüe (blue jerseys) and “Song 2” by Blur (black and red jerseys)
Rating: 7/10
“Kickstart My Heart” is a relatively new goal song in only its second season. It gets the job done, but it hasn’t had a chance to really take hold with the fan base. The Sabres get a boost in this rating for “Song 2” being the goal song when they use the throwback black and red jerseys. That brings people back to better days. — Matthew Fairburn
Calgary Flames
“T.N.T” by AC/DC
Rating: 7/10
Some Flames players have had individual goal songs in the past (Blake Coleman’s “Roar” by Katy Perry comes to mind). But typically, the Flames will play “T.N.T” by AC/DC. Solid song that can get the crowd into it, which matters. — Julian McKenzie
Carolina Hurricanes
“Raise Up” by Petey Pablo
Rating: 7/10
There aren’t a whole lot of songs that both mention North Carolina and have the potential to hype up a crowd, but Petey Pablo’s “Raise Up” checks both boxes. It’s been in place since 2018, and the fans seem adequately satisfied with it. If the team wants to move on, they could dip into the Triangle’s vibrant indie scene — maybe “Raleigh Days” by Archers of Loaf or something from Hurricanes fan Mac McCaughan’s band Superchunk, such as “Hyper Enough” or “What a Time to Be Alive.” — Cory Lavalette
Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal. (Kamil Krzaczynski / Imagn Images)
Chicago Blackhawks
“Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis
Rating: 9/10
There are probably many people in Chicago and beyond who think of the Blackhawks when they hear “Chelsea Dagger.” The song is as associated with the Blackhawks’ most recent three Stanley Cup titles as anything. It was the party theme for many. From inside the stadium to packed bars to homes, people celebrated as that song played. Regardless, the chorus is catchy and fun, and it’s easy to understand why it caught on. Fans don’t seem to get sick of it, but you do wonder if it might be worth considering a new song for this new generation of Blackhawks. — Scott Powers
Rating: 10/10
It’s a perfect goal song, there’s no denying it. It’s buoyant, has a sing-along element and is just a flat-out good rock song. I remember liking it when it came out on alt-rock radio long before the Blackhawks adopted it. After hearing it 14,000 times, it’s just white noise at this point, but it’s never a chore to listen to. Other non-NHL teams have used it over the years, but it’s universally associated with the Blackhawks. I do feel the team missed a chance to start a new anthem for the new era back in Connor Bedard’s rookie season, but the fans love it, so I understand the reluctance to change. — Mark Lazerus
Colorado Avalanche
“Chase the Sun” by Planet Funk
Rating: 5/10
The best part about this goal song is the fan participation element, when the crowd chants “Hey! Hey! Hey!” Even still, it’s not as good as the old Avalanche goal song. “Chase the Sun” isn’t a great song on its own, and it sounds generic as a goal song. I appreciate the sing-along portion, but I can’t give it a grade higher than five. — Jesse Granger
Columbus Blue Jackets
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” by AC/DC and “The Whip” by Locksley
Rating: 8/10
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” works very well with the Blue Jackets’ universally loved cannon, which they blast after every goal. Hard to beat that. As for “The Whip,” it’s been played at so many sporting events that it almost seems ubiquitous. But it’s the type of catchy, mindless chorus that allows fans to be delirious and excited without having to think about anything but what they just witnessed on the ice. Rock on, Locksley. — Aaron Portzline
Dallas Stars
“Puck Off” by Pantera
Rating: 9/10
This one’s always been a little divisive among hockey fans, but I love it. A bespoke goal song by rock royalty is a hell of a lot cooler than a 30-year-old jock jam like half the league seems to use. It’s loud, it’s distinct, and it gives fans the opportunity to chant. If you don’t like 18,000 people screaming DALLAS! STARS! in unison, you don’t like fun. Or you’re an Avalanche fan, I suppose. — Mark Lazerus
Detroit Red Wings
“Without Me” by Eminem
Rating: 8/10
Local legend Eminem will always be a hit in Detroit, but there’s a taunting element to the “na-na-na-na-na” of the chorus that takes this one up a notch — as does the fact that the Red Wings brought the song in at the same time as (finally) getting a goal horn two seasons ago. It’s been well received — though I’m sure the fans wouldn’t mind hearing it just a bit more often. — Max Bultman
Edmonton Oilers
“Fluxland” by XL
Rating: 7/10
It’s a great song for a celebration and house music is fun! This is a famous song and everyone (all ages) can join the party. It isn’t a brilliant song (such as “Blue Monday” by New Order), but it hits hard from the first beat and it’s fast. Probably need to replace it if the Oilers lose in the Stanley Cup Final again, though. — Allan Mitchell
Florida Panthers
“Panthers Pulse” by Öwnboss and Selva
Rating: 6/10
The stripped-down EDM track gets points for being unique, bespoke and bringing the fan base into it with the “woah-oh-oh-ohs.” Since they’ve adopted it, Panthers Pulse has become an anthem that strikes fear into playoff opponents, given how frequently they’ve had to hear it in their worst on-ice moments. I know many Florida fans miss the days of Jimmy Eat World’s “Sweetness” to the point that there are videos on YouTube retrofitting the tune into their biggest recent goals. Personally, I say give the fans what they want. “Are you listening?” — James Mirtle
Los Angeles Kings
“POWER RIDE 22 (LA Kings Goal Song)” by Fred Coury
Rating: 6/10
For one, it’s not a “song,” and probably the best thing about it is the local tie. L.A.-based Fred Coury was the drummer for glam metal band Cinderella and is a fervent hockey fan who composed the guitars-and-drum-driven sound for the Kings. I wouldn’t call it particularly memorable, but it’s got a straightforward beat fans can chant “Hey! Hey! … Hey, hey, hey!” and pump their fists to in time. Given how the Kings scuffle offensively at times, they won’t be worn out by game’s end. — Eric Stephens
Minnesota Wild
“Shout” by The Isley Brothers
Rating: 8/10
I really like “Shout” as a goal song. It brings a lot of energy to the building. It’s a little old-school, which I enjoy. My guess is that most players don’t know the Isley Brothers, but they probably like the sound. — Joe Smith
Rating: 1/10
I hate it. — Michael Russo
Worst goal song in hockey, hands down, @mnwild.
You get Quinn Hughes, start pumping teams by 4–5 goals, and this is what we’re pressing play on? Completely sucks the energy out of the building.
Bring Crowd Chant back. https://t.co/EJRBSBllqP
— James Murray (@JamesMurrayECH) December 18, 2025
Montreal Canadiens
“Canadiens Goal Song” by Antoine Becks
Rating: 6/10
The Canadiens’ goal song is fine. It encourages crowd participation, which is important, and it’s been around long enough to make it distinct and recognizable. Being an original song is a bonus to me. But for such an iconic franchise, it would be hard to say this goal song fits that same bill. It’s fine; nothing more, nothing less. — Arpon Basu
Nashville Predators
“I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw and “Gold on the Ceiling” by The Black Keys
Rating: 5/10
It’s a pretty bad song. But it’s also a pretty annoying song. And isn’t that the idea, to add to your opponent’s misery by blaring something grating into their ears right after they have to pick the puck out of their own net? If we are going just on song quality, it’s a 2/10. If we are going just on the annoyance factor, it’s a 9/10. — Joe Rexrode
The Gaslight Anthem at the 2024 NHL Stadium Series game between the Flyers and the Devils. (Ben Jackson / NHLI via Getty Images)
New Jersey Devils
“Howl” by The Gaslight Anthem
Rating: 9/10
The Devils have one of the best goal songs in the league. The energy is right, and the crowd gets into it with the “you suck!” chants. The point of the goal song should be to get fans pumped up, and New Jersey found a way to do that well. — Peter Baugh
New York Islanders
“Crowd Chant” by Joe Satriani
Rating: 3/10
The horn itself and “yes, yes, yes” chants are all a vibe, but the actual goal song is honestly underwhelming. There is definitely a better option out there, whether it’s just something with a little more tempo or something that represents the most magical place in the world, Long Island. Something Billy Joel would probably be cheesy, but there are a lot of other artists/songs to choose from to amp things up. — Shayna Goldman
New York Rangers
“Slapshot” by Ray Castoldi
Rating: 7/10
I still think half the fans aren’t sure whether to sing “Goal!” or “Whoa!” but they come together and have fun with it nonetheless. I’ve got far less of a problem with that than I do with the general music choices at Madison Square Garden, which fail to properly honor a city with a rich history of diverse artists. Can we get an old-school rap playlist for warmups that starts with Nas’ classic “N.Y. State of Mind,” which I’ll maintain should be the Rangers’ standard entrance song, then hits from Biggie, A Tribe Called Quest, Rakim and other NYC legends? — Vincent Z. Mercogliano
Rating: 7/10
I don’t care too much for the song itself, but any time you can get a crowd singing is a win. This does that, and it even is the source of some debate: are the lyrics “wooaahh” or “gooaal?” I say the former, but when fans sing it, it seems to be the latter, which works for me, too. — Peter Baugh
Ottawa Senators
“Song 2” by Blur
Rating: 7/10
I personally love this song. It’s short, punchy, yet iconic. It honestly makes me think of the “FIFA 98” Soundtrack, because it was the intro. Anything that takes me back to a sports video game is a winner. I also associate this song with the Senators because it’s been used for so long. One of my favorites in the league. — Julian McKenzie
Philadelphia Flyers
“Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” by Van Halen
Rating: 7/10
As someone who chooses only to recognize the David Lee Roth years of Van Halen, I’m good with this goal song. It’s notable, too, that it was originally used in the early/mid 2000s, and was brought back at the start of the 2023-24 season when the new leadership regime took over. — Kevin Kurz
Pittsburgh Penguins
“Party Hard” by Andrew W.K.
Rating: 5/10
It’s fine. Not objectionable. Personally, I think it’s the most average goal song in the league. Fans like it well enough and it brings back memories of the 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cup championship runs. I have long maintained that because the Penguins wear black at home and because it’s a better song, The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It, Black” would be a perfect goal song for the Penguins. But this probably makes me old. — Josh Yohe
San Jose Sharks
“Power Bite” by BVRNOUT
Rating: 4/10
This one is new as it replaces 2 Unlimited’s “Get Ready for This” and the change is part of the Sharks shifting into a new era where Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith and William Eklund are filling the net for years to come. Moving away from the techno dance anthem is fine, but this one that’s in a similar electronic realm just doesn’t stand out in any particular way. It’s got the requisite energy, I guess, but I say bring back Green Day’s “Holiday” and honor the East Bay heroes. Or take it in an old-school R&B party turn with Parliament’s “Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker).” — Eric Stephens
The Kraken celebrate after a goal scored by Ryan Winterton. (Steven Bisig / Imagn Images)
Seattle Kraken
“Lithium” by Nirvana
Rating: 10/10
Absolutely no notes. Nirvana’s “Lithium” is one of the single best goal songs in the NHL, up there with the Blackhawks’ “Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis and the Golden Knights’ “Vegas Lights” by Panic! At The Disco. I especially like the in-arena edit of the song, so that the “Yeah!” chorus blares out, turning a melancholy track into a proper arena anthem. That it pays tribute to the rock history of Seattle and is fun to sing along to after a pint or two only adds to the perfection of this goal song. — Thomas Drance
St. Louis Blues
“The Blues Have the Urge Goal Song (Let’s Go Blues)” by The Urge
Rating: 9/10
I like it for several reasons. First, it’s simple. It has a good beat, and fans react to it right away and sing along. Second, it was recorded by a local band. It’s an original with the lyrics “Let’s Go Blues!” It’s St. Louis’ own. And third, it’s not some Top 40 pop song that can be played in other arenas and be outdated in six months. It may not be for everyone, but it hits everything the Blues need in their goal song. — Jeremy Rutherford
Tampa Bay Lightning
“Burn It to the Ground” by Nickelback
Rating: 6/10
I mean, this is pretty hockey-coded. Nickelback is a Canadian band, and this song was literally featured in the “NHL 10” video game. The Lightning aren’t reinventing the wheel with this one — there are definitely ways to show more personality with more creative songs — but it works for now. And the big picture is that Tampa Bay rotates goal songs every few seasons anyway, so it’s not something the team is going to be locked into forever. — Shayna Goldman
Toronto Maple Leafs
“Düp Düp” by Mickie Krause and “Panama” by Van Halen (Original Six games)
Rating: 2/10
Like almost everyone, hearing “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Hall and Oates dozens of times a season, for many, many seasons, eventually grated on me. But at least it was a choice. This is the opposite of that. This is bland nothingness designed to avoid a stir following all the pleas for change from Hall and Oates. Nobody’s getting excited for tunes like this. — Jonas Siegel
Rating: 6/10
They’re … fine. “Düp Düp” ticks some boxes as a goal song: there is an opportunity for crowd engagement (“Hey hey hey!” is easy enough to chant along to), should the Leafs stick with this song. And “Panama” pops in its simplicity. What’s missing is any sort of local or franchise connection: Toronto is one of the world’s great music cities. Is there nothing the organization could have done to honor the city or the team? With the Leafs, we’re always just looking to feel something. With these songs, it certainly feels like crowds don’t feel enough of the kind of energy they want to. — Joshua Kloke
Utah Mammoth
“Pretty Handsome Awkward” by The Used
Rating: 8/10
I love this goal song. There’s a local connection with The Used being from Utah, and the song itself is very high-energy, which resonates with the hype and emotion that fans want to feel after a goal. The song is catchy and something you can energetically bob your head along to. The transition to a chant after the song, before the puck drops at center ice, is a nice touch as well. — Harman Dayal
Vancouver Canucks
“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds
Rating: 8/10
The Canucks goal song rocks. It’s instantly recognizable, it’s nostalgic, it’s fun and it’s fitting for celebratory moments. My only very minor quibble with it is that it isn’t local, it’s not something fans can sing along to easily and it’s lyrically complicated. The idea of “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” implies that the club is positioning itself as an underdog, and is likely to be unforgotten. In a perfect world, I’d prefer a goal song that was slightly more lyrically self-assured. — Thomas Drance
Panic! At The Disco at the 2022 MTV VMAs. (Theo Wargo / Getty Images for MTV / Paramount Global)
Vegas Golden Knights
“Vegas Lights” by Panic! At The Disco
Rating: 9/10
This goal song checks a lot of the boxes. It has “Vegas” in both its title and the chorus that plays as soon as the goal horn at T-Mobile Arena ends. It’s performed by Las Vegas natives Panic! At The Disco, and the lyrics are all about getting caught up in the energy and lights of fabulous Las Vegas. The song itself has great energy and is well-suited for celebration. The only thing keeping this from being a perfect 10 is the lack of a sing-along (or chant-along) aspect for the crowd, which is what separates the truly elite goal songs from the rest, in my opinion. — Jesse Granger
Washington Capitals
Individual goal songs — Captain Alex Ovechkin: “Shake, Rattle and Roll” by Big Joe Turner
Rating: 10/10
Why more teams don’t go this route is still unclear to me. Example A: Ryan Leonard picked “Free Bird” — it was the goal song for Team USA at the 2025 World Junior Championship — and it pretty quickly became a thing among the fan base. I find myself rooting for Matt Roy to score every time he touches the puck just because Metallica’s “Seek and Destroy” still rules extremely hard. So, yeah, other game ops departments should steal this gimmick, wholesale. — Sean Gentille
Winnipeg Jets
“Gonna Celebrate” by The Phantoms, followed by individual goal songs — Captain Adam Lowry: “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
Rating: 9/10
The best thing Winnipeg does with its goal songs is encouraging its players to pick their own, with Adam Lowry leading a group of players whose personalities shine through when they score. Lowry says his choice — “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter — is a nod to his fiancée, Laura Quinton, but he’s grown to become a fan of Carpenter’s through Laura’s deep dive into her discography together. Other fan favorites include “Macarena” by Los Del Rio for Gabriel Vilardi and “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits for Jonathan Toews. As for the team song, it’s upbeat and festive enough, but I’d like to see the Jets pick a homegrown artist. What about the “one of a million” hook in “Stereo” by The Watchmen? — Murat Ates
— Videos courtesy of Elite Goal Horns, Neon Bay Productions and FamousGoalHorns on YouTube.