I flew from Helsinki to Stockholm this morning. It's a short trip and takes about an hour. You arrive in Stockholm city center by train from the airport. The express train only takes 20 minutes. Traveling to Sweden from Finland is otherwise also good because you gain an extra hour. Due to the time difference, the clock shows the same time as when you left Finland.

Because an NHL Global Series game is being played in Stockholm, hockey has taken over Stockholm for the entire week. I belong to the age group that has followed the Pittsburgh trio of Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin for their entire careers. Because of this, I set the goal of seeing one of them, even quickly.

I had found out beforehand that both the Penguins and the Predators were staying right in the center of Stockholm. Their hotel was called the Grand Hôtel. The Grand Hôtel is considered one of Sweden's most luxurious hotels. The hotel was founded by the Frenchman Jean-François Régis Cadier and officially opened on June 14, 1874.

My timing was spot on, as just when I got to walk from the train station to the hotel, the Penguins' bus was waiting in front of the door. I stayed to wait for the players along with other autograph seekers. Some of the hockey card collectors had been in front of the hotel all week. They were eagerly waiting for autographs from different players on their cards, but no one had yet managed to get Sidney Crosby's signature on their cards.

All our luck came when Sidney Crosby stepped out alone before the other players. It has been wet and gray in Stockholm all week, but on this game day morning, the sun was shining! Usually, players have two options for going to the arena: either the earlier or the later bus. This time, many chose the later bus, but Sidney Crosby jumped into a private minibus.

Before getting on the bus, no one got an autograph, but we did get a photo. Just seeing Sidney Crosby is definitely a good way to start the day in Stockholm. Next, I'm going to drink some coffee and then go to the sauna.

Follow me on X and you might catch a few more things during the #NHLGlobalSeries - weekend!

Valtteri Karjula (@valtterikarjula) on X Rickard Rakell & @penguins recommended Östermalms Korvbar. Here's the most popular dish from the grill, paired with the best Swedish soda. #NHLGlobalSeries 🇸🇪