The National Hockey League has changed the start time of the Detroit Red Wings' game at the Nashville Predators on March 2, 2026, to 1 p.m. CT, allowing for prime-time viewing across Europe at 8 p.m. CET. This adjustment follows the 2025 NHL Global Series in Sweden and aims to build on excitement from the upcoming Olympic Winter Games. The move highlights international stars from both teams while offering unique fan experiences in Nashville.
The NHL announced on December 9, 2025, that Game No. 955 between the Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena will now begin at 1 p.m. CT, shifting from the original 7 p.m. CT slot. This 2 p.m. ET start time aligns with 8 p.m. CET, providing European fans a weekday prime-time opportunity to watch NHL action shortly after the 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden and ahead of NHL players' participation in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
"Coming off the tremendous fan response to the 2025 NHL Global Series Sweden last month, coupled with the huge excitement surrounding NHL players participating in the Olympic Winter Games this coming February, we wanted to provide our international fans the opportunity to see more prime-time hockey during the week," said Keith Wachtel, NHL Business President. The change underscores the league's efforts to grow its presence in European markets.
Nashville Predators CEO Sean Henry expressed enthusiasm: "We are thrilled that our March 2nd game against Detroit is shifting to this unique weekday matinee setting. The Preds will take this opportunity to celebrate hockey over multiple days, recognizing local hockey groups, rewarding students and thanking our military members for their service to our country, all while the NHL and its broadcast partners showcase our team and our city internationally."
To support the military community, the Predators will donate 1,000 tickets to members and families from the U.S. Army Fort Campbell base near Clarksville, Tennessee. The game is the fourth in the Smashville Sports Series, themed around baseball, with the first 10,000 fans receiving Predators baseball jerseys presented by Regions Bank. Additional perks include 50 percent off Michelob ULTRA and $1 hot dogs. Local businesses are encouraged to organize workplace outings, promoting the "PREDS TIME OFF" initiative for daytime enjoyment.
Both teams boast international rosters. The Predators feature Filip Forsberg and Adam Wilsby (Sweden), captain Roman Josi (Switzerland), Juuse Saros and Erik Haula (Finland), and Steven Stamkos (Canada). They recently played in the Global Series Sweden against the Pittsburgh Penguins and have prior international experience in Czechia (2022) and Japan (2000). The Red Wings include Moritz Seider (Germany), captain Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Patrick Kane (United States), Marco Kasper (Austria), and six Swedish players: Lucas Raymond, Jonatan Berggren, Elmer Soderblom, Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka. Detroit's overseas games include the 2023 Global Series Sweden and 2009 NHL Premiere.
