Why is the NHL opening its season in Europe every year?  The fans are in North America.  I can see how it looks kinda neat on paper, but I can think of a hojillion at least three reasons why this is a bad idea:

1.  The atmosphere of the games isn’t very exciting, the crowds just aren’t that into it. 
2.  Flying the players across the Atlantic a few times in early october has to be brutal on them, especially the Wings, who’s average age is what?  75?  You’d think so anyway if you only read rival teams’ blogs
3.  It takes away from the home fans who can only watch the first game of the season by either flying to Sweden or taking a day off of work to sit down and watch a 3pm Friday afternoon game.

Maybe (probably not) I would have a different attitude if Detroit had actually won a game in Stockholm instead of blowing 2 goal leads (twice!) and getting it handed to them.  I’m looking forward to them leaving the losing streak in Europe.  I will, however, miss the swedish dudes doing the play-by-play