Global series, what a great idea! Besides the long plane ride, the trip is a great idea for all those involved. You call it a neutral crowd? Playing in another country, the crowd is insane. They are so ecstatic to have a professional hockey game that they cheer super hard for both teams, for everything that happens. The chanting, the yelling, the hating the refs, it is amazing to see and hear. Missing a home opener? We still get a home opener. So not only do we get two high octane 'neutral' games, we get to come back and have another home opener for our own fans. It can make for a pretty hectic start, as it is almost like starting the season with two playoff games, then a big flight, then having your own home opener bringing up the tempo again. I am all for it, as I love the increased intensity. Plus maybe I can get to see some of my own jerseys in another country which would be really cool.