(Ottawa) Ottawa Senators coach D. J. Smith hopes his team returns from the NHL Series with more than just an appreciation of Swedish culture.
The Senators are one of four NHL teams, along with Detroit, Minnesota and Toronto, that will play two games in Stockholm this week.
“We want to win, but we also want to come back being a different club,” Smith said.
This season, the Senators (6-7-0) have had as many difficulties off the ice as on it.
Shane Pinto was suspended for 41 games for violating the league’s sports betting rules, while d. g. Pierre Dorion was fired after Ottawa lost a first-round pick following an invalidated trade from 2021.
With all that said, Smith thinks the Sweden getaway comes at just the right time.
“It’s almost like a sort of retreat where you can get away and just play hockey,” Smith said.
“It’s the best and worst thing about being a Canadian team: the fans are so passionate and they want their teams to win so much that sometimes it brings stress to the players. »
Smith is still starting to see a little more structure from his team. The Senators have two wins in their last three games.
“If you look at the best teams, they don’t shoot themselves in the foot,” Smith said. We just have to learn how to manage the puck and be consistent in the way we play. »
The Senators face Detroit on Thursday and Minnesota on Saturday, but the players will also have time to experience Swedish culture.
Goalkeeper Anton Forsberg and defender Erik Brannstrom have been named unofficial tour guides, the two Swedes on the team.
“They’ve been captains off the ice lately,” said captain Brady Tkachuk. I expect good times and good team building activities. »
Some players are expected to try padel (a derivative of tennis), a favorite sport of renowned Daniel Alfredsson, who will join the team for the trip.
There will be sightseeing, maybe a treasure hunt and some great Swedish meals.
Neither Brannstrom nor Forsberg are from Stockholm, but both know a little about the city and are eager to act as unofficial tour guides.
“We’re going to have two really fun games,” Brannström said. I think it’s going to be a great week. »
Brannstrom believes there are real benefits to the NHL hosting such games abroad.
“I think it’s really important to get everyone involved in the NHL,” Brannstrom said. I didn’t think I was going to have the chance to play an NHL game at home, in front of my family and friends. I think it’s great. »
