The NHL’s return to Stockholm represents more than just a pair of international games for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators. As both teams prepare to face off at the iconic Avicii Arena on November 14 and 16, they arrive with contrasting trajectories and unique motivations. For the Penguins, it’s a chance to showcase their veteran talent on European ice for the first time since 2008. For the Predators, struggling through a disappointing start, these games could serve as a critical turning point in their season.
The 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden presented by Fastenal marks the league’s 15th season featuring regular-season games outside North America, with Stockholm hosting its 17th and 18th NHL contests—more than any other city beyond the continent. This homecoming holds special significance for Swedish stars on both rosters, while offering both franchises an opportunity to reset, refocus, and potentially redirect their campaigns.
What you need to know about the NHL Global Series Sweden 2025 Penguins vs Predators matchup
The two-game series between Pittsburgh and Nashville will take place at Avicii Arena, formerly known as Ericsson Globe, which has become the premier venue for NHL games in Europe. The first game is scheduled for Friday, November 14 at 8 p.m. CET (2 p.m. ET), followed by the second matchup on Sunday, November 16 at 3 p.m. CET (9 a.m. ET). Both games will be broadcast on NHL Network, Sportsnet, SportsNet Pittsburgh, and FanDuel Sports Network South.
For North American fans accustomed to traditional scheduling, the Sunday morning start time presents a unique viewing experience. The early broadcast window provides an opportunity for hockey enthusiasts to start their weekend with international NHL action, reminiscent of Premier League soccer viewing habits.
The scheduling also represents a significant break in the regular season grind. After playing nine games in 16 nights leading up to the trip, both teams welcomed the five-day preparation period. This extended break allowed for travel adjustments, practice sessions in Stockholm, and crucial team-bonding opportunities that can prove invaluable during a long NHL season.
The promotion and organization of the event involves Live Nation Sweden, with major corporate partners including Fastenal, SAP, CAT, Pepsi, Unibet, PLYRS, Upper Deck, Mercedes, Sony, City of Stockholm, and Scotiabank. The NHL Global Fan Tour will also take over Kungsträdgården, Stockholm’s largest outdoor park, from November 14-16, featuring free hockey-themed activities, watch parties, and appearances by the Stanley Cup itself.
Pittsburgh’s homecoming featuring Karlsson, Rakell, and Hallander
The Penguins bring a roster laden with Swedish talent back to Stockholm, headlined by superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson. The two-time Norris Trophy winner expressed palpable excitement about returning to his homeland to represent his NHL team. Karlsson, who has established himself as one of the premier offensive defensemen in hockey history, will have family, friends, and countless Swedish fans watching his every move.
Alongside Karlsson, forward Rickard Rakell—currently on injured reserve but making the trip—adds another Swedish dimension to Pittsburgh’s lineup. Rakell, who has been a consistent contributor since joining the Penguins, grew up idolizing NHL players and dreaming of moments exactly like this. Filip Hallander, though currently dealing with injury issues, represents the newer generation of Swedish prospects in the Pittsburgh organization.
The Penguins’ last international venture came during the 2008 NHL Premiere Series when they faced the Ottawa Senators. That trip predated their Stanley Cup championships and featured a younger core. Now, with captain Sidney Crosby leading a roster that includes fellow champions Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Bryan Rust, Pittsburgh brings championship pedigree to Europe.
The timing of this series provides the Penguins with a perfect opportunity to regroup. Coming off a 9-5-3 record and a 1-3-1 stretch in their previous five games, the extended break allowed head coach Mike Sullivan to address systematic issues while giving his veteran roster crucial rest. The Penguins’ roster depth has been tested throughout the early season, making this reset particularly timely.
For Crosby, who continues to defy Father Time with elite production, playing in Stockholm adds another chapter to his legendary career. His presence alone elevates the event’s profile, drawing international attention to both the NHL and Swedish hockey culture.
Nashville’s quest for a defining moment in Sweden
If anyone understands the potential impact of a Stockholm trip, it’s Steven Stamkos. The Predators’ marquee offseason acquisition experienced firsthand how the 2019 NHL Global Series Sweden transformed his Tampa Bay Lightning. That journey proved so meaningful that “STOCKHOLM” was engraved on their 2020 Stanley Cup rings—a permanent reminder of where their championship run truly began.
“With where we are as a group, we have to think of it that way,” Stamkos said about Nashville’s current situation. “We have to think about, OK, this could be something that could lead to a run that gets us back in the mix. It can’t just be another two games. We have to dig in a little bit and try to get some momentum here.”
The Predators desperately need that momentum. Entering the series with a 5-9-4 record and riding a five-game losing streak (0-3-2), Nashville has struggled to find consistency despite bringing in Stamkos, defenseman Brady Skjei, and forward Jonathan Marchessault during the offseason. The high-profile additions were supposed to elevate the Predators into contention after finishing third-worst in the Western Conference last season with a 30-44-8 record.
For Filip Forsberg, returning to Stockholm carries profound personal significance. The franchise’s all-time leading goal scorer grew up in Sweden dreaming of NHL stardom. Now, as one of the league’s elite forwards, he’ll showcase his talents in front of family, childhood friends, and Swedish hockey fans who’ve followed his career from his early days in Leksands IF through his NHL journey.
“I would love a post-Sweden bump,” Forsberg said, referencing Stamkos’s experience. His sentiment captures Nashville’s hopes that this trip can catalyze the season-saving turnaround they urgently need. Fellow Swede Adam Wilsby, though less established, shares similar excitement about representing Nashville on home soil.
Coach Andrew Brunette recognizes the opportunity before his team. “For us it’s take a step back. As a group, it’s a great opportunity to bond together. These are the types of things in a season that you can really take advantage of as a group, as a team. These can be defining moments. For us, I hope it is a defining moment,” Brunette stated.
The Predators currently sit four points behind Utah for the final Western Conference wild card spot. November traditionally serves as a pivotal month when playoff contenders separate from pretenders, making these two games critical for Nashville’s postseason aspirations. Their offensive struggles—ranking 30th in scoring at just 2.56 goals per game—must improve, though they’ve shown recent signs of life with seven goals in their last two contests.
Special teams remain a particular concern, with the power play tied for 23rd at 17.5 percent efficiency. While Matthew Wood provided a spark with two power-play goals against the Rangers, consistent production remains elusive. Forsberg believes fixing the man advantage represents the key to unlocking Nashville’s offensive potential.
The NHL’s commitment to international hockey growth
The NHL Global Series Sweden 2025 Penguins vs Predators games represent the league’s ongoing commitment to international hockey development and fan engagement. Since implementing regular-season games outside North America, the NHL has played 46 such contests across six countries and nine cities on two continents. Stockholm’s 17 previous games demonstrate the city’s status as the premier European destination for NHL hockey.
These international showcases serve multiple strategic purposes. They reward passionate European fans who support the NHL through broadcasts, streaming services, and social media platforms. Swedish fans, in particular, have access to NHL content via NHL.com/sv and dedicated social media accounts @NHLsv on X and @nhlsverige on Instagram.
The games also provide invaluable exposure for the league in markets that produce elite talent. Sweden has long been among the NHL’s most productive international pipelines, developing stars like Karlsson, Forsberg, Nicklas Lidstrom, Peter Forsberg, Henrik Lundqvist, and countless others. By bringing NHL hockey to Stockholm, the league strengthens connections with Swedish youth hockey programs and reinforces the dream that local players can reach the world’s premier professional league.
Following the success of the 4 Nations Face-Off, these Global Series games maintain momentum for international hockey engagement. The NHL’s international strategy continues evolving, recognizing that hockey’s global footprint extends far beyond North American borders. As the sport grows worldwide, events like this help cement relationships between the NHL and passionate international fan bases.
The NHL Global Fan Tour exemplifies this commitment, transforming Kungsträdgården into a hockey celebration. Free activities, Stanley Cup appearances, and game watch parties create accessible entry points for casual fans while rewarding devoted supporters. These community-focused initiatives complement the marquee games themselves, building lasting connections between the NHL brand and Swedish hockey culture.
Historical context of NHL games in Stockholm
Stockholm’s relationship with NHL regular-season games stretches back over a decade, establishing the Swedish capital as North America’s hockey league’s international home. The city’s 16 previous games at Avicii Arena have featured memorable matchups, dramatic finishes, and cultural exchanges that benefit both the NHL and Swedish hockey.
The venue itself, originally known as the Ericsson Globe and now called Avicii Arena in honor of the late Swedish DJ and producer, represents one of Europe’s most distinctive sporting facilities. Its spherical architecture makes it instantly recognizable, while its capacity and modern amenities provide an ideal setting for NHL-caliber hockey. The building has hosted everything from Eurovision Song Contest finals to IIHF World Championships, establishing itself as a premier entertainment destination.
Previous NHL visitors to Stockholm have consistently praised the atmosphere, fan engagement, and overall experience. The Swedish hockey culture—deeply rooted, knowledgeable, and passionate—creates an environment that often rivals the best NHL buildings in North America. Fans arrive hours early, sing traditional hockey songs, and demonstrate an encyclopedic knowledge of NHL teams, players, and storylines.
For the players, these trips offer unique opportunities to experience different hockey cultures. Many North American players developed their understanding of hockey through Swedish influences, studying the skill-focused development philosophy that has made Sweden such a productive talent source. Experiencing Swedish hockey culture firsthand provides context that enhances their appreciation for the game’s international dimensions.
The economic impact also proves significant. Hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and local businesses benefit from the influx of NHL personnel, media, and traveling fans. The positive economic ripple effects help justify the logistical challenges of hosting NHL games, creating stakeholder alignment between the league, local government, and business community.
What’s at stake for both teams beyond the standings
Beyond immediate standings implications, the NHL Global Series Sweden 2025 Penguins vs Predators matchup carries significant ramifications for both franchises. For Pittsburgh, continuing their strong start solidifies their position as legitimate contenders in a competitive Metropolitan Division. The Penguins have shown resilience despite injury challenges, and positive results in Stockholm could provide momentum for a sustained playoff push.
The Penguins’ veteran core—Crosby, Malkin, Letang, and Karlsson—operates with a finite championship window. Every game carries playoff implications, but these international showcases also add to their legacy credentials. Strong performances in Stockholm enhance their resumes while potentially attracting future free agents who value playing for organizations that prioritize unique experiences.
For Nashville, the stakes feel existential. Another pair of losses would push them further from playoff position while raising uncomfortable questions about their offseason investments and long-term direction. Conversely, securing four points in Stockholm could spark the turnaround that salvages their season. The Predators need to discover their identity, and sometimes geographical distance provides the necessary perspective.
Stamkos’s Stanley Cup ring inscription serves as both inspiration and challenge. Can this Predators team replicate that Tampa Bay experience, using Stockholm as a catalyst for sustained success? The answer will begin revealing itself over these two games, though the full story will unfold throughout the season.
The extended time together—traveling, practicing, exploring Stockholm, and bonding away from home pressures—might prove as valuable as the games themselves. Hockey teams succeed through chemistry, trust, and shared experiences. International trips accelerate relationship building, creating memories and connections that endure through adversity.
The NHL Global Series Sweden 2025 Penguins vs Predators represents far more than two regular-season games relocated to Stockholm. For the Penguins, it’s a homecoming celebration for their Swedish stars and an opportunity to build momentum in what could be their veteran core’s final championship chase. For the Predators, it’s a potential season-defining moment—the kind of transformative experience that either launches a dramatic turnaround or exposes fundamental flaws that require difficult decisions.
As fans gather at Avicii Arena and viewers worldwide tune in, they’ll witness not just hockey games but a cultural exchange between North American professional sports and European hockey tradition. The NHL continues expanding its global footprint, recognizing that hockey’s future depends on nurturing international markets while honoring the game’s Swedish roots. These games in Stockholm embody that vision, creating memories for players, fans, and organizations while advancing hockey’s worldwide growth. Whether either team captures a
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.