The New York Rangers are heading to Miami to face the Florida Panthers in the 2026 Winter Classic on Friday at loanDepot Park. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. This inter-conference match marks a historic moment as the southernmost Winter Classic ever and the first NHL outdoor game in Florida. The Rangers, with a perfect 5-0-0 record in outdoor games, will put their streak on the line against the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Panthers, who are making their Winter Classic debut.
The Rangers have shown their dominance in previous outdoor matchups, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2012 Winter Classic, and the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders in the 2014 Stadium Series at Yankee Stadium. They also overcame the Buffalo Sabres in the 2018 Winter Classic at Citi Field and the New York Islanders in the 2024 Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was in net for every second of those first four outdoor wins, making him the only goalie in NHL history to win four outdoor games.
loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins, is set to host a sold-out crowd for this historic event. The stadium's retractable roof, which has been closed to allow for ice construction, is expected to open before the game, offering a unique outdoor hockey experience with the Miami skyline in the background. The NHL has reinforced the ice rink to a thickness of 2.5 inches to withstand Miami's warm climate.
The Panthers enter the game holding 44 points in the standings, while the Rangers have 43. According to reports, the Panthers have been missing key players, including captain Alexander Barkov and star forward Matthew Tkachuk. Tkachuk has returned to practice, but his participation in the Winter Classic remains uncertain. Brad Marchand has been a standout performer for the Panthers, leading the team in goals (22), assists (22), and points (44).
The Winter Classic is more than just a game; it's a celebration of hockey with live music, fan festivals, and Florida-themed decorations,. The game will be broadcast nationally on TNT and truTV in the U.S., with streaming available on Max.
