2024 NHL Global Series - Schedule, How to Watch and more
The National Hockey League (NHL) is adored all around the globe, and whilst fans might not always get the opportunity to come and watch their favourite team in their home arena, the NHL Global Series does at least bring some of the thrilling action to them. With the preseason now right around the corner, we thought we would take a look at the teams that will be taking to the international stage, making sure you know everything you need to know about the matchups, as well as where and when they are taking place. Let’s talk some hockey!
Introducing the 2024 NHL Global Series
The NHL Global Series brings the excitement of NHL Hockey to international fans by hosting regular-season games outside of North America. These types of exploratory series began in 1997 with several trips to Japan, before evolving into the Premiere Series in 2007, which saw games take place in cities such as London, Prague, Stockholm, and Helsinki, amongst others. The most recent change was for this to be rebranded the Global Series in 2017, although these games have generally been kept to just European cities.
This fantastic series aims to expand the sport’s global presence, exposing European fans to some of the very best NHL talent going. In 2024, fans in Prague (Czech Republic) and Tampere (Finland) will be treated to intriguing matchups featuring the Buffalo Sabres vs. New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars vs. Florida Panthers. There will also be an exhibition clash between the Buffalo Sabres and Red Bull München in Munich, to celebrate the opening of their new arena.
It is an exciting set of games, with plenty for home fans to look forward to. There is also plenty for the players to be excited about. None more so than local heroes like Ondrej Palat and Aleksander Barkov, who will be returning to their home countries to show what they can do.
2024 NHL Global Series Schedule:
- September 27, 2024: Buffalo Sabres vs. Red Bull Munich (Exhibition) | SAP Garden, Munich, Germany
- October 4, 2024: New Jersey Devils vs. Buffalo Sabres | O2 Arena, Prague, Czechia
- October 5, 2024: Buffalo Sabres vs. New Jersey Devils | O2 Arena, Prague, Czechia
- November 1, 2024: Florida Panthers vs. Dallas Stars | Nokia Arena, Tampere, Finland
- November 2, 2024: Dallas Stars vs. Florida Panthers | Nokia Arena, Tampere, Finland
A Closer Look at Each Fixture
Munich, Germany (Sep. 27)
Munich, Germany, will play host to a special exhibition match between the Buffalo Sabres, of the NHL, and Red Bull Munich, of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. This is a big day for the locals, as they not only get to test themselves against an NHL side, but they will also be celebrating the opening of their impressive new SAP Garden. This 12,500-seat arena has been built in the Olympiapark and is a beauty, playing host to the Munich basketball and ice hockey teams.
A name to watch in this game will be JJ Peterka, who is a Munich native and will no doubt be excited to put on a show in front of his home crowd. Germany has a growing passion for hockey, and the NHL’s decision to send over the Sabres as part of the Global Series is a sign of their determination to continue seeing it grow. The Deutsche Eishockey Liga is one of Europe’s top leagues, and an appearance from an NHL team will only fuel the German’s fandom further.
Prague, Czechia (Oct. 4-5)
The Buffalo Sabres will be participating in overseas action once again on the 4th and 5th of October, as they play two matches against the New Jersey Devils at the O2 Arena, Prague, Czech Republic. Prague has been a popular spot for NHL games, hosting several clashes over recent years. This particular game should draw plenty of attention, with Czech-born player Ondrej Palat taking to the ice for the Devils.
Last season, the Sabres landed 6th in the division, which was only good enough for 22nd overall, meaning no playoff action was on the cards. The Devils also struggled, only producing 38 wins from their 82 games played, which resigned them to 7th in the Metropolitan Division and 23rd overall. Whilst both teams are coming off disappointing seasons, their positioning right next to each other on the overall league leaderboard suggests a close game could be on the cards.
Tampere, Finland (Nov. 1-2)
The 2024 NHL Global Series will finish up with two exciting matchups between the Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers, at the Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland, on November 1st and 2nd. These games will hold particular significance for Aleksander Barkov, the Panthers captain, who grew up playing for Tampereen Tappara. He will be going up against another Finnish star in Roope Hintz, who happened to play for the Tappara’s rivals, Ilves, before joining Dallas. With several other Finnish players also looking forward to playing on home ice, it promises to be a fantastic celebration.
In terms of what we can expect from a hockey perspective, fans are in for a treat. The Panthers are fresh off a Stanley Cup win, whereas the Dallas Stars only narrowly missed out on appearing in the showcase series after losing to the Edmonton Oilers in the conference finals. Still, they topped the Central Division and will be high on confidence, ready to take it to the reigning champs. This one should be fascinating!
Find upcoming NHL games on Livesportsontv.com
Whether you are hoping to tune into the Global Series or other regular NHL action, make sure to head to Livesportsontv.com, where we have all the information you need. Our site provides up-to-date NHL schedules, including national and regional broadcasters, so you never miss a moment. If you’re unsure what games are at your disposal, simply head to the site where you will quickly find out what games are on each and every day.
Author: Venuse, Inc.