Season openers around the world for North American major league sports teams seem to be the trend right now. The Boston Bruins split a two-game series with Phoenix in Prague this past October. The Boston Red Sox linked their Japanese connection in 2008 by opening their season overseas after winning the second World Series in four years.
It appears that the NHL has decided to launch its 2011-12 season openers in Europe for the fifth consecutive year, according to E.J. Hradek of ESPN.com. Pairing six squads, for two games apiece similar to last season looks to be continuing for the second year in a row. Previously, only four teams participated.
The report also hinted that the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers and Washington Capitals are among the possible contenders. The Hurricanes, Wild, Blue Jackets, Sharks, Senators, Penguins, Rangers, Lightning, Ducks, Kings, Bruins and Coyotes have all been among the teams to open their seasons across the pond. Those openers took place all across Europe, including Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic and England.
