NHL Global Series in Stockholm: Intense Matches and Speculations on Europe's Hockey Future

The 2025 NHL Global Series in Stockholm featured thrilling games between the Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins, with both teams winning one game each. Nashville claimed victory in the first game thanks to a late equalizer by Filip Forsberg, while Pittsburgh dominated the rematch with a 4-0 win, powered by key contributions from Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who was the top scorer of the weekend. Pittsburgh's goalie Sergei Murashov was instrumental in keeping Nashville scoreless in the second game. The event culminated with Sidney Crosby exchanging hockey sticks with Swedish legend Peter Forsberg, fulfilling a long-held personal request via Patric Hörnqvist. (146351)

These matches are part of a broader NHL initiative to expand its presence in Europe, a journey that began in the 1970s and has grown over nearly five decades. With the NHL opening a European office in Zurich, plans are underway to increase European fixtures, potentially leading to annual visits by NHL teams to cities like Stockholm, Tampere, Prague, London, and Berlin. However, despite speculation about forming a European division, substantial financial, logistical, and political challenges remain. The lack of established European fan bases, possible resistance from local hockey federations, and geopolitical complexities — especially related to Russia — pose significant hurdles. NHL owners prioritize profitability, often relocating teams in North America based on market success, making European team establishment a distant prospect. Swedish fans show mixed reactions to these NHL events, valuing the excitement and youth engagement they bring but also expressing concerns over commercialization and differences from traditional local hockey culture. (146452)