The Pittsburgh Penguins have landed in Stockholm for the 2025 NHL Global Series against the Nashville Predators. The team held a practice session at Avicii Arena upon arrival, despite jet lag from their transatlantic flight. Rickard Rakell, sidelined by injury, joined the trip in a tour guide role.
The Pittsburgh Penguins touched down in Stockholm on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, ahead of their two regular-season games against the Nashville Predators at Avicii Arena. The matchup is part of the 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden, scheduled for Friday, November 14, and Sunday, November 16.
The team departed Pittsburgh on a 9 p.m. flight the previous night, enduring a seven-and-a-half-hour journey. Each seat included amenities like pillows, blankets, eye masks, earplugs, and personal care items. Upon landing, the Penguins immediately bused to Avicii Arena for practice. Some players managed sleep on the plane, but all participated in a spirited on-ice session.
Defenseman Kris Letang commented on the adjustment: “It feels fine. It’s good to sweat it out and get our legs going. It’s not the ideal sleep you get, but to move around gets you going a little bit more.”
The practice concluded with a fun shootout competition, featuring Viking helmets for the winner and loser. Rookie Ben Kindel emerged victorious, donning the helmet with a single undone braid, while forward Kevin Hayes wore the other. Goaltending coach Dan Muse praised the lighthearted end: “They did a great job there with their Viking helmets... that’s what you want. You’re getting off the plane, that’s what you want on a day like this. You gotta have some fun at the end. Especially because it’s not something we do normally. It was good. The guys had fun with it, and when you have that, the two different groups going at the end, everybody’s looking at who’s going to be the last one.”
Post-practice, the team headed to their hotel. Players including Erik Karlsson, Rickard Rakell, Evgeni Malkin, and Hayes participated in a Swedish pizza tasting event organized by NHL International. Rakell, out due to injury, is embracing his role as a tour guide during the trip.
Additional activities are planned throughout the week, with coverage of practices, games, and off-ice events to follow.