The Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils are set to commence the regular season with a marquee matchup in Prague, promising an exciting start to the season.
The Sabres are seizing a unique opportunity by facing Red Bull Munich in a preseason clash on September 27th in Germany's DEL, a precursor to their regular season opener. This match not only underscores the NHL's commitment to expanding its international presence but also sets the stage for high-stakes, high-drama hockey.
The Global Series isn't a new concept, but its recent iterations have brought some memorable moments to the international stage. A notable highlight was in 2018 when the Edmonton Oilers, led by Leon Draisaitl, played against the Cologne Sharks in Germany. The Oilers clinched a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory in Draisaitl's hometown, a game still vivid in the memories of many fans. With such successful outings, there's growing anticipation around the possibility of the Oilers returning to Europe next season.
This year, only a few players, such as Ondrej Palat and Tomas Nosek from Czechia, and Germany-born JJ Peterka of the Sabres, have direct ties to the host nations. Last season, the Leafs' trip to Sweden saw William Nylander electrifying the crowd in his homeland, underscoring how personal connections can elevate the intensity and appeal of these international games.
As for the Edmonton Oilers, they're gearing up for a vigorous preseason, kicking off with a game against the Winnipeg Jets on September 22nd at home. With eight games scheduled over two and a half weeks, the team has ample time to fine-tune their strategies before the regular season opener against the Jets on October 9th. Oilers fans, mark your calendars � the excitement of NHL regular season hockey is just around the corner!
This packed preseason not only serves as a warm-up for the intense battles ahead but also as a showcase of the NHL's global reach and its ability to unite fans around the world through the love of hockey. As teams gear up and strategies are honed, the stage is set for what promises to be another exhilarating NHL season.
Source: NHL PR on X
Preseason schedule released
POLL | ||
Do you believe that the Oilers ought to play in the upcoming Global Series? | ||
Yes | 23 | 59 % |
No | 13 | 33.3 % |
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