The NHL is taking its show on the road to Germany, with the Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators set to face off in Düsseldorf for two regular-season games on December 18 and 20, 2026.
This is pretty big news for hockey fans in Germany. They’ve only hosted one NHL regular-season matchup before – when the Sabres and Kings played in Berlin back in 2011.
For the Senators, playing in Europe is becoming something of a tradition. They’re practically veterans of overseas games, with a stunning 5-0-1 record outside North America. Not bad at all.
“We’re excited to bring NHL hockey to new fans in Germany,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “These games are a crucial part of growing our sport globally.”
The Senators have mostly stuck to Sweden for their European adventures. They’ve played in Stockholm three different times – against the Penguins in 2008, the Avalanche in 2017, and most recently against the Red Wings and Wild in 2023.
The Blackhawks? They’re not quite as experienced overseas. They’ve only played in Europe twice before – once in Helsinki with the Panthers in 2009, and again in Prague against the Flyers in 2019.
Here’s something interesting: these games won’t replace any home dates. Thanks to the NHL’s new agreement, the regular season is actually expanding from 82 to 84 games. So both teams will still get their full 41 home games.
The last time NHL regular-season action was played in Germany, Barack Obama was still in his first term as president. That’s quite a wait for German hockey fans.
For both teams, it’s a chance to showcase the sport in one of Europe’s biggest markets. And for the players? It’s an opportunity to experience something pretty special – playing NHL hockey in a country that’s crazy about sports.
