At a Glance
- Florida Panthers host New York Rangers at loanDepot park in Miami for the NHL’s 17th Winter Classic on Jan. 2, 2026.
- First outdoor NHL game in Florida, with a 35,300-seat capacity.
- TV on TNT and truTV; stream on HBO Max and the TNT/truTV apps.
Why it matters: It marks a historic milestone for the NHL and brings the sport to a new southern market.
The NHL’s Winter Classic returns to Miami for the first time, as the Florida Panthers take on the New York Rangers at loanDepot park on Jan. 2, 2026. The 17th edition of the annual outdoor showdown will be the league’s 44th outdoor game and the first ever played in Florida. With a 35,300-seat capacity and a sunny forecast, the event is poised to be a landmark moment for both teams and fans.
Game Details
The matchup pits the two-time Stanley Cup champions Panthers against the Rangers, who have won every outdoor game they’ve played. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET, with the ballpark’s retractable roof open for the puck drop. Broadcasts will air on TNT and truTV, while viewers can stream the action on HBO Max, the TNT app, and the truTV app.
- 8 p.m. ET start time
- TNT and truTV on TV
- HBO Max, TNT app, truTV app for streaming
Rangers Outdoor Record
The Rangers have appeared in five previous outdoor contests and emerged victorious each time. A quick look at their record shows the team’s dominance in these high-profile games.
| Year | Opponent | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | New York Islanders | MetLife Stadium | 6-5 OT |
| 2014 | New York Islanders | Yankee Stadium | 2-1 |
| 2014 | New Jersey Devils | Yankee Stadium | 7-3 |
| 2012 | Philadelphia Flyers | Citizens Bank Park | 3-2 |
| 2018 | Buffalo Sabres | Citi Field | 3-2 OT |
Other Stadium Series Game
The league will also host a second outdoor game on Feb. 2, when the Boston Bruins face the Tampa Bay Lightning at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. That Stadium Series clash will add another chapter to the NHL’s growing outdoor tradition.
Key Takeaways
- First outdoor NHL game in Florida.
- Panthers vs Rangers set for Jan. 2, 2026 at loanDepot park.
- TV on TNT and truTV; streaming available on HBO Max and the TNT/truTV apps.
The Winter Classic’s arrival in Miami signals the NHL’s commitment to expanding its fan base and showcases the excitement of outdoor hockey in a sunny setting.
