PHILADELPHIA -- Official word that the Penguins will open next season with two games against Ottawa in Sweden is expected during this weekend's all-star activities in Atlanta.

The games between the Penguins and Senators will be Oct. 4 and 5 in Stockholm.

The New York Rangers and Tampa Bay are expected to play a two-game series in Prague, Czech Republic on the same dates.

The Penguins, who will play four preseason games in North America, will add a fifth here or in Europe before facing the Senators. Contrary to a report out of Canada, however, they are not committed to an exhibition game in Finland, although there have been preliminary discussions about one.