NHL Invades Germany: Bruins, Oilers Set for Epic 2027 Series
NHL Takes Hockey on a German Adventure: What You Need to Know
The Big News: NHL Games Are Coming to Germany!
Imagine your favorite hockey teams packing their bags and flying across the ocean to play real games that count in the standings. That’s exactly what’s happening! The NHL (that’s the National Hockey League – the biggest professional hockey league in the world) announced that four teams will play regular-season games in Germany during the 2027-28 season.
Important Point: These aren’t exhibition games or practices – these are real regular-season games where the points count toward playoff positions, just like games played in Boston, Edmonton, or Chicago!
Which Teams Are Going Where?
The NHL has mapped out a German road trip for four different teams:
Boston Bruins → Munich
- Two games in Munich
- One of the NHL’s "Original Six" historic franchises
- First time the Bruins play regular-season games in Germany
Edmonton Oilers → Cologne
- Two games in Cologne
- Special connection: This is superstar Leon Draisaitl’s hometown!
- Draisaitl is a German-born superstar who plays for the Oilers
- Imagine playing NHL games in front of your childhood friends and family!
Chicago Blackhawks → Düsseldorf
- Two games in Düsseldorf (already scheduled for December)
- Another "Original Six" team with a rich history
Ottawa Senators → Düsseldorf
- Two games in Düsseldorf (also scheduled for December)
- Will share the Düsseldorf spotlight with the Blackhawks
Why Germany? Why Now?
You might wonder: "Why is the NHL so interested in Germany?" Here’s the simple breakdown:
Growing the Game Globally
The NHL and NHLPA (that’s the Players’ Association – the union representing the players) want to grow hockey worldwide. Germany is one of Europe’s strongest hockey countries with passionate fans.
Building on Success
This isn’t the NHL’s first German rodeo:
- 2011: Buffalo Sabres vs. Los Angeles Kings played in Berlin
- 2027-28: Four teams playing across three German cities
- Future: Commitment for at least three more seasons of games in Germany!
The "Draisaitl Effect"
Having a German superstar like Leon Draisaitl (who won the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP in 2020) makes Germany a natural fit. When kids see someone from their country become a global superstar, they want to play hockey too!
What This Means for Fans
For German Fans
- See NHL stars live without traveling to North America
- Experience the atmosphere of games that matter for playoff races
- Inspire the next generation of German hockey players
For North American Fans
- Unique broadcast times (afternoon/evening games in Germany = morning/early afternoon in North America)
- Cool backdrop – games in historic European arenas
- Player stories – like Draisaitl’s homecoming in Cologne
For the Players
- Travel adventure – experience new cultures mid-season
- Special memories – especially for European players returning home
- Grow their brand internationally
How This Works: The Global Series
The NHL calls these international games the "Global Series." Here’s how they fit into the season:
- Regular schedule continues – teams still play 82 games total
- Two games count as home games for the "visiting" team (or are designated as neutral site)
- Travel logistics – teams typically travel a week early to adjust
- Broadcast globally – games shown on NHL’s international partners
The Bigger Picture: Hockey’s Global Growth
This German commitment is part of a larger NHL strategy:
- Previous Global Series: Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Czech Republic
- Future markets: Potential for more European countries
- Development pipeline: More European players drafted each year
- Fanbase expansion: Building lifelong fans in new markets
Important Point: The NHL isn’t just "visiting" Germany – they’re committed to at least three more seasons of regular-season games there. This is a long-term relationship, not a one-time vacation!
Summary
The NHL is bringing four teams to three German cities for eight total regular-season games in 2027-28:
- Bruins in Munich (2 games)
- Oilers in Cologne (2 games – Draisaitl’s hometown!)
- Blackhawks & Senators in Düsseldorf (2 games each, already scheduled for December)
This continues the NHL’s Global Series initiative to grow hockey internationally, building on the 2011 Berlin game. With a multi-year commitment, German fans can expect NHL hockey regularly for years to come. For players like Leon Draisaitl, it’s a dream come true – playing NHL games in front of their hometown crowd.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Do these games count in the standings?
Yes! These are 100% regular-season games. The two points for a win count exactly the same as a game played in Boston or Edmonton.
Will the teams be tired from traveling?
The NHL schedules these carefully. Teams usually travel 5-7 days early to adjust to the time zone (Germany is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time). The league also gives them extra rest days before and after the trip.
Can German fans buy tickets easily?
Absolutely! Tickets go on sale through the NHL’s official channels and local partners. Given the popularity, they typically sell out fast – especially for the Oilers games in Draisaitl’s hometown!
Will these games be on TV in North America?
Yes! The NHL’s broadcast partners (like ESPN, TNT, Sportsnet, TVA Sports) will air these games live. The start times will be earlier than usual (morning/early afternoon) to accommodate the time difference.
Are more European games planned?
The NHL has said they’re committed to at least three more seasons in Germany. They also regularly play games in Sweden, Finland, and other European countries as part of their ongoing Global Series strategy.