Sens in Sweden

The Ottawa Senators have made their way to Sweden for a pair of regular season games as part of the NHL's Global Series. Follow along with our international adventures with the Sens in Sweden blog.

TUNE IN:
Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. as the Senators host the Red Wings live from Avicii Arena on TSN5 and RDS.
Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. as the Senators host the Wild live from from Avicii Arena on TSN5 and RDS.

Part of any trip is preparing and planning for the adventure. Prior to headiing to Sweden some of our players took their best shot at understanding the language.

Erik Brannstrom is one of three Swedish players making the trip to play on their homeland and he spoke to the media shortly after arriving.

The second day in Sweden started with a beautiful sunrise and some sight-seeing.

Though it was their designated off-day the Senators seized the opportunity for a little team bonding, opting to play a Swedish favourite, Padel tournament.

Jacob Larsson, Erik Brannstrom and Anton Forsberg hit the red carpet ahead of the Börje premier celebrating Swedish hockey legend Börje Salming.

Prior to Wednesday morning's practice about 100 Sens fans had the opportunity to hear from and meet D.J. Smith, Steve Staios, Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Philipps, Wade Redden, Brady Tkachuk and Thomas Chabot.

Following that they headed to practice where the energy was high seeing their home team on foreign soil.

Following practice on Wednesday, Erik Brannstrom took Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk to a local candy store to have them try Swedish candy and learn about the Swedish tradition of Saturday candy.

Back to business, it's officially game day in Stockholm!

A quick look at the head-to-head stats as the Senators take on the Detroit Red Wings to kick off the NHL Global Series:

Prior to the game, it was announced that Daniel Alfredsson would be behind the bench and he also read the starting lines ahead of puck drop.

The Senators pulled off a 5-4 OT win in particulally thrilling fashion. To date, the win improved the Senators record to 4-0-1 in regular-season games contested outside North America – no team has more wins in that scenario.

The real story of the night was the game-winning goal.

Following the Sens win fans were treated to an extra special edition of their fire helmet player of the game award tradition:

The Sens didn't play on Friday but they did enjoy everything Sweden and reflect on their time in Europe.

During the morning skate Zack MacEwen showed off some silky mitts and fans and former players couldn't help but weigh in on it!

It's an early start on Saturday, but it's still a Sens GAME DAY!

As the puck hit the ice today the Sens celebrated a couple of milestones as Jakob Chychrun was skating in his 400th NHL game, while Erik Brannstrom skated in his 200th NHL game back home in front of friends and family!

How fitting back home in Sweden for the lone goal of regulation for the Senators to be scored by Erik Brannstrom off an assist from Anton Forsberg!

Following 60 minutes of regulation plus 5 minutes of overtime this game was destined for a shootout. Anton Forsberg stood on his head to shutout all Minnesota attempts in the shootout allowing Josh Norris' to pot what ended up being the game winning goal as the Senators leave Stockholm with four points!

Almost like a storybook ending the three stars of the game were:

1. Anton Forsberg
2. Filip Gustavsson
3. Erik Brannstrom

The Swedes really led the charge on home ice!

A second helmet giveaway in as many games in Sweden, the Senators were pretty pumped heading into the locker room:

Well we think it's pretty fair to call this a successful business trip. Walking away with four points, new memories from a padel tournament, Alfie showcasing he's still Alfie winning the tournament and his first two games behind the bench, excursions to candy stores, and a great time had by all all around!

Thanks Stockholm, it's been a blast! Until next time!