The NHL announced on Tuesday that the Bruins will be one of six teams to start the 201-2011 season in Europe. The B’s will play the Phoenix Coyotes in Prague on Saturday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 10. According to the Boston Bruins website, this will mark the first time in 50 years that the Bruins have played in Europe. The other teams who will start the season in Europe include: Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and San Jose Sharks.
I don’t really know how I feel about these overseas games. I guess I’ll let you know once we see how the Bruins respond upon returning home next season. As far as Boston is concerned, we certainly saw some ill-effects from the Red Sox trip to Japan a few seasons ago and I guess I am a little nervous that the Bruins will experience similar jet-lag and fatigue. The NHL opening up in Europe is a good opportunity for the league to build a larger fan base and promote the league. Anything to promote the NHL is a good thing these days considering the league’s lack of popularity. Still, I’m not too keen on the idea if its at the expense of the Bruins.