Latvian goalie Arturs Shilov stated that for him, it is a special opportunity to play in NHL matches in Europe ahead of the upcoming games of the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Nashville Predators, which will take place in Sweden this weekend, as reported by the program "900 seconds."
As part of the NHL Global Series, which has been held for the 15th consecutive year, several league games are taking place outside North America. Last season, there were four such games, and Latvian defenseman Uvis Janis Balins represented the Florida Panthers in them.
This year, the Penguins will play two games against the Predators at the Stockholm arena "Avicii." On Friday at 21:00, the game will be available to watch live on the Go3 platform, and on Sunday at 16:00 – on TV6.
In an interview with TV3 recorded on Thursday, Shilov mentioned that he has one more night to rest, and overall he feels good, but his body needs time to acclimatize.
Speaking about the matches in Europe, the goalie noted that it will be an interesting experience.
“Not every team goes to Europe. Pittsburgh chose Sweden this year, and I think it’s a special opportunity. For many European viewers, it’s a fantastic chance to watch a game during the day instead of at night,” said Shilov.
Last season, the goalie played for another NHL club – the Vancouver Canucks, but was traded to Pittsburgh in July.
“I was welcomed wonderfully. The leadership in the team is at a very high level. Everyone smiles, talks to you, tries to get to know you. There’s no situation where you walk into the locker room and are ignored because you’re a newcomer. Everyone tries to make contact. I think this speaks to the role of the leaders, and everyone tries to include you in the team,” Shilov shared his first impressions.
He also mentioned that he has developed a good understanding with goaltending coach Andy Chiodo. About 18–20 hours before the game, it is announced in the general chat who will be in goal.
“We were told that we would be alternating goalies in each game. When you know in advance that you’re playing the next game, you can prepare better. There’s no uncertainty about whether you will play or not,” concluded Shilov.
Both teams arrived in Stockholm on Tuesday. The players have a tight schedule – they need to meet with media representatives, and the time for interviews is strictly limited. Open practices are scheduled for Saturday, which spectators will be able to attend.
However, the teams also have some free time. On Thursday, the Pittsburgh players visited museums and ended the evening with spa treatments.
Despite skeptical predictions before the season, the Penguins are demonstrating a high level of play: with 21 points in 17 games, they are in third place in the Metropolitan Division. Meanwhile, the Predators are in last place in the Central Division with 14 points after 18 games.
