NHL Europe

Each year since 2007, the National Hockey League has scheduled season opening games in Europe.

The 2009 event features games between the Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks, plus European teams, to open the 2009-2010 season with games in Sweden and Finland.

September 28, 2009

• Florida Panthers vs Tappara Tampere
• Chicago Blackhawks vs HC Davos

September 29, 2009

• St. Louis Blues vs Linkopings HC
• Chicago Blackhawks vs ZSC Lions Zurich

September 30, 2009

• Florida Panthers vs Jokerit Helsinki
• Detroit Red Wings vs Farjestads BK Karlstad

October 2, 2009

• Florida Panthers vs Chicago Blackhawks
• Detroit Red Wings vs St. Louis Blues

October 3, 2009

• Chicago Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers
• St. Louis Blues vs Detroit Red Wings

The New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators played in Prague, Czech Republic, and Stockholm, Sweden, on October 4 and October 5, 2008.NHL.com: 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule

• October 4: Rangers 2 - Lightning 1NHL.com: 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule
• October 4: Penguins 4 - Senators 3 OTNHL.com: 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule
• October 5: Lightning 1 - Rangers 2NHL.com: 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule
• October 5: Senators 3 - Penguins 1NHL.com: 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule

In September of 2008, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly announced that the league plans to expand to Europe. Although nothing is confirmed, Daly stated that it was a possibility to see NHL teams in Europe by 2018.Sportsnet.ca: NHL hoping to invade Europe

Paul Kelly, head of the National Hockey League's Players' Association, stated on September 28, 2008, that as many as eight teams could play in three cities in Europe to open the 2009-2010 NHL season.ESPN.com: Kelly: As Many As Eight Teams Could Open Next Season in Europe