Preds’ Perfect Trip to Prague Featured in Final Episode Behind Glass

The latest episode of NHL Network’s four-part docuseries Behind the Glass is finally here, and Smashville is once again in store for plenty of behind-the-scenes looks at their favorite team as they travel to NHL World Series Europe. 2022.

Dutchy and Mac Truck Do Prague

In the Behind the Glass finale, the Predators arrive in Prague for the first two games of the regular season, but before anyone hits the ice, there’s a new city to explore.

Meet your tour guides: Matt Duchene and newcomer Ryan McDonagh.

“I’ve been here many times and love this city,” says Duchene. “This is my favorite to visit in Europe that I have visited so far and we will definitely have a blast here.”

The two NHL veterans stroll through the historic cobblestone streets of Prague, stopping by famous sights like Prague Castle and the Prague Astronomical Clock.

Tweet from @NHLNetwork: “Hey you’re the little guy!” @Matt9Duchene, meet little Matt Duchene 🪆 @PredsNHL #BehindTheGlass ep. 4 premieres tonight at 9pm ET / 6pm PT! pic.twitter.com/aRMHN3Zpe1

Then, like any good father would, Duchene and McDonagh stop at a gift shop to buy presents for their children.

The pair say hello to a few visiting Predators fans inside before stepping out with Preds Russian dolls – which feature tiny Matt Duchene pieces in the center.

“I hope one of my kids doesn’t put that in their mouth,” Duchene laughs.

Five-minute major to history major

Mark Borowiecki is full of surprises.

At first glance, you probably wouldn’t expect the six-foot-two, 204-pound, toothless defender to be an avid reader — let alone one, period. But he is. You also wouldn’t expect him to be a self-proclaimed history buff, currently finishing up a degree in the field – but he is, too.

So it’s only fitting that in the finale of Behind the Glass from Nashville to Prague, Borowiecki – his father, Tom, in tow – turns into history, highlighting Soviet-era architecture and discussing his Polish roots. .

“You kind of enjoy the experience, the atmosphere — really everything about this trip,” Borowiecki said. “But we have a job to do. We have two big games to come and we want to start well and make sure we are ready.”

Borowiecki also put aside much of his World Series trip to delve into another of his off-ice passions: writing. If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, you can check out his daily Global Series blog here.

Meet Jaromir Jagr

With Behind the Glass spotlighting Nashville’s season opener in Prague, it was only a matter of time before the greatest Czech player of all time made a special appearance.

Tweet from @PredsNHL: Big two pic.twitter.com/vf0yoCrIYZ

Two-time Stanley Cup champion Jaromir Jagr heads into the Preds locker room for a quick meet with Philippe Forsberg – the pair exchange facial hair compliments – and the captain Romain Josi before dropping the ceremonial puck in Game 2 of the Global Series.

For those wondering, yes – the 50-year-old NHL legend is still playing. He now skates with Rytiri Kladno of the Czech Extraliga – his first professional club, which he also currently owns.

Impose an identity

The challenges of a shortened training camp, combined with those of a 4,000-mile overseas trip, come to a head in Prague, where the Predators are set to start their season with a quick, back-to-back slate against San Jose.

Despite battling jet lag in less than ideal ice conditions at the O2 Arena and even a points deficit in Game 2, the Nashville locker room maintains an unwavering commitment to its identity.

“We must impose our work ethic and our competitiveness on [San Jose], that’s the first thing,” said head coach John Hynes in his locker room. “Let’s go out and show our strength, that’s how we work and compete with the puck. If we do that, we’ll get off to a good start and we’ll set ourselves up for a good game.”

Tweet from @NHL: Memories for life. #NHLGlobalSeries Get up close and personal with all the Global Series action between the @PredsNHL and the @SanJoseSharks �� tonight at 9pm ET / 6pm PT on @NHLNetwork! pic.twitter.com/AGYOZn4grT

The Nashville roster hears the message, and through the final 11 minutes of Behind Glass, we see the identity of the Predators manifest on the ice and along the bench.

The Predators team boarding the plane to Nashville leaves Europe with not just four points, but an even clearer understanding of the type of game they will need to play to be successful throughout the 2022-23 season.

Missed NHL Network’s Behind the Glass episodes? No problem. They will all be available soon on the official NHL YouTube channel – episodes one through three are available to watch now.