How to watch Sharks vs. Predators in Prague originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The San Jose Sharks are kicking off their home schedule in Prague.
This marks the NHL’s return to Europe for the first time since 2019, when the Czech capital city also hosted the season opener. San Jose will be looking to jump start its season after missing the playoffs for three straight years.
All eyes will be on new general manager Mike Grier, who made some big offseason moves, including re-signing goalie Kaapo Kähkönen and trading six-time All-Star Brent Burns.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Sharks-Predators NHL Global Series game.
When is the Sharks vs. Predators game?
The Sharks and Predators are scheduled for a double header this weekend, playing both Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. PT.
Where is the Sharks vs. Predators game?
Both games will be played at the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. The venue has played host to a number of concerts and sporting events, including Kendrick Lamar and Sting.
How to watch the Sharks vs. Predators game
Both Sharks-Predators games will be available on NBC Sports California, Bally Sports South and Bally Sports+.
Will Russian NHL players be allowed to participate in the NHL Global Series?
On Thursday, the Czech Foreign Ministry reversed their original stance to not issue visas to Russian-born players in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Czech Republic, which is separated from Ukraine by the Polish-Slovakian border, was one of the first to stop issuing visas to Russian nationals. That policy seemed to extend to the three NHL players in question — the Sharks’ Alexander Barabanov and Evgeny Scechnikov, as well as Nashville’s Yakov Trenin.
However, the league and the Czech government eventually came to an agreement that the three players did not pose a threat to national security and agreed to grant them entrance.
Are there any other Global Series games this season?
The NHL Global Series is already halfway underway with preseason games in Switzerland and Germany taking place today and tomorrow.
Beyond this weekend’s games, the league will return to Europe one more time in early November when the Colorado Avalanche and the Columbus Blue Jackets face off for a regular season game in Finland.
When does the NHL season start?
Friday’s game in Prague technically kicks off the NHL regular season, however fans will have to wait a few more days for many of their favorite teams to return to the ice.
Opening day in North America is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 11 with a double header pitting the New York Rangers against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Los Angeles Kings against the Vegas Golden Knights.
