We’ve given you every NHL goal horn, ranked, and now, it’s time to rank what comes after the score and the honk.
That’s right, it’s time to rank every goal song for the 2023-24 season. At the moment, we’re going to rank the songs we heard from last year, and if there are any changes, we’ll update this post.
How did we rank these? Well, a goal song should be something the crowd can enjoyably celebrate together, with some bonus points for chant-ability, although there are some that are just a bit stale or copycat.
Away we go, while noting the Sabres, Capitals and Panthers play songs for individual players when they score:
29
San Jose Sharks: Get Ready for This by 2 Unlimited
I feel bad. Because the Sharks had the worst horn in my opinion AND the worst song. As a kid who grew up in the Jock Jams era, I would have loved this around 1995. But it’s 2023 and the Sharks need something newer.
28
Vancouver Canucks: Don't You Forget About Me by Simple Minds
It’s possible for a goal song to be a great song outside of the hockey arena and for it to be bad after a score. That’s my take here: I get using “hey hey hey!” for everyone to chant, but I associate this with Judd Nelson and his fist up in the air, not hockey.
27
Montreal Canadiens: Canadiens Goal Song by Antoine Beck
I am all for some “heys” and a “Go Habs go!” But this feels like the most generic goal song you could come up with.
26
Toronto Maple Leafs: You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oates
Great song. Bad goal song.
25
Winnipeg Jets: Gonna Celebrate by The Phantoms
It’s … just OK. Maybe a little to corny for my taste.
24
Nashville Predators: I Like It, I Love It by Tim McGraw; Gold on the Ceiling by The Black Keys
C’mon. Pick one! Points for some creativity and a nod to Nashville, but it’s a mishmash.
23
Vegas Golden Knights: Vegas Lights by Panic! At the Disco
There are better goal songs out there.
22
Colorado Avalanche: Chase the Sun by Planet Funk
Same.
21
Los Angeles Kings: Power Ride by Fred Coury
Fun fact: Fred Coury was the drummer in metal band Cinderella. And he wrote this one, but it sounds A LOT like the Rangers’ goal song, and it’s part of a group that’s in the “not bad, and if you’re looking for a typical goal song, this is it” category.
20
Detroit Red Wings: Let's Go Red Wings by Fred Coury
Oh hey, there’s Coury again! Sounds familiar!
19
St. Louis Blues: Let's Go Blues by The Urge
It’s fine!
18
Columbus Blue Jackets: For Those About to Rock by AC/DC
I included a video of the experience live because you can’t properly rate their use of the AC/DC classic without showing the now-iconic and frightening cannon that goes off. I don’t hate it, but I also want more AC/DC and less of the other stuff.
17
Ottawa Senators: Song 2 by Blur
The “It’s almost too obvious to use this song, but dang it, it works as a goal song” division.
16
Boston Bruins: Kernkraft 400 by Zombie Nation
Again, very obvious but works as a goal song.
15
New York Islanders: Crowd Chant by Joe Satriani
See above. I also have to give credit to Isles fans for having “Yes Yes Yes!” and the Ric Flair “WOO!” at the end of their goal celebrations. Doesn’t count in our rankings, but a tip of the cap:
14
Tampa Bay Lightning: Goons by Mona
Chant-able and fun.
13
Edmonton Oilers: Fluxland by XL
Almost too catchy!
12
Philadelphia Flyers: Celtic Invasion by CFO$
Do I care that it’s Becky Lynch’s entrance music in the WWE? I do not.
11
Anaheim Ducks: Bro Hymn by Pennywise
Pretty good!
10
Calgary Flames: TNT by AC/DC
Nothing like a “Oi! Oi! Oi!” after a goal.
9
Chicago Blackhawks: Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis
On one hand: It’s been done. On the other, it’s catchy as heck and a great song to celebrate goals to.
8
Minnesota Wild: Shout by the Isley Brothers
Classic.
7
Pittsburgh Penguins: Party Hard by Andrew W.K.
I don’t know what it is but there’s something about this song that makes me smile when I hear it. And as a goal song, it works!
6
New Jersey Devils: Howl by The Gaslight Anthem
Another one I love as a goal song.
5
Dallas Stars: Puck Off by Pantera
Hey, it’s Pantera. Can’t argue with it.
4
Arizona Coyotes: Howlin' For You by The Black Keys
Goodness, it’s near-perfect, between the singable chorus to the wink to the Coyotes’ name.
3
Carolina Hurricanes: Raise Up by Petey Pablo
We need more hip-hop in goal songs!!
2
New York Rangers: Slapshot by Ray Castoldi
You can accuse this Rangers fan of bias but: Come on. It’s that good. From the “WHOAAAA” tune to the “HEY! HEY! HEY-HEY-HEY!” its everything a goal song should be and more.
1
Seattle Kraken: Lithium by Nirvana
It’s the song you didn’t realize would make for a perfect goal song. The chorus fits in so well to sing after a score, and there’s the Seattle connection too. And maybe you get to remember the late, legendary Kurt Cobain while you’re at it, too.
