The Nashville Predators and Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face off in the 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden at Avicii Arena in Stockholm, with games scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. ET and Sunday at 9 a.m. ET. Swedish natives on both teams, including Filip Forsberg and Adam Wilsby for the Predators and Erik Karlsson and injured Rickard Rakell for the Penguins, are excited to share their homeland and foster team bonding. The series offers a unique opportunity for players to create lasting memories overseas.
The 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden, presented by Fastenal, brings the Nashville Predators (5-8-4) and Pittsburgh Penguins (9-5-3) to Stockholm for two regular-season games at Avicii Arena. This international trip highlights the bonding potential of overseas play, a theme echoed in NHL history where six of the 10 teams that started seasons abroad went on to win the Stanley Cup.
Filip Forsberg, a Leksand native, plans to give back by inviting 100 youth hockey players, coaches, and parents from his hometown to the Predators' open practice on Saturday. "It was one of the first things that came to mind... how can I involve Leksand and the kids there somehow," Forsberg said. His teammate Adam Wilsby, from a Stockholm suburb, is organizing the team's itinerary, including Swedish dinners featuring meatballs and pickled herring. "I'm really excited to see all the kids there and kind of give them a taste of what our regular day is like," Forsberg added.
On the Penguins' side, Erik Karlsson looks forward to showcasing Sweden during a different season. Injured winger Rickard Rakell, sidelined by hand surgery, has embraced the tour guide role despite missing the games. Born in Sollentuna near Stockholm, he recommends spots like Café Pom and Flora for breakfast, Östermalms Korvspecialist for hot dogs, and Tössebageriet for fika with cardamom buns. "Sweden know hot dogs," Rakell said with a grin. Sidney Crosby, returning to Stockholm for the second time, praised toast Skagen as his favorite Swedish dish.
Coaches and veterans emphasize the trip's value for team unity. Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice noted, "The context of bonding is critically important." Penguins captain Crosby added, "Getting the opportunity to go to Stockholm and see the city... made it even better." With short November days and cold weather, tips include dressing in layers and enjoying walks in old town Stockholm.
This series allows Swedish players like Forsberg, Wilsby, and Karlsson to perform in front of family, while the teams build camaraderie through shared experiences.