Rangers to face Panthers at loanDepot Park in 2026 NHL Winter Classic

New York heads into the contest 5-0-0 in outdoor games

1/8/2025, 8:39 PM
New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) and Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) follow the puck during the second period of game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden / Brad Penner - Imagn Images
New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin (31) and Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (15) follow the puck during the second period of game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden / Brad Penner - Imagn Images

The Rangers are heading back outdoors. 

The NHL announced on Wednesday that New York will be facing the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in next season's edition of the Winter Classic. 

The game is set to take place on Jan. 2, 2026 at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.

This will mark the third Winter Classic appearance in franchise history -- the first two came in 2018 against the Buffalo Sabres at Citi Field and 2012 against the Philadelphia Flyers at Citizens Bank Park. 

It is the sixth outdoor game in Rangers history, with the latest being last season when they pulled off a tremendous comeback to defeat the New York Islanders in overtime in front of a sold-out MetLife Stadium. 

New York is a perfect 5-0-0 in outdoor games.

This marks the first time in league history that Florida will be hosting a pair of outdoor games, as the Tampa Bay Lightning will be facing off with the Boston Bruins on Feb. 1 at Raymond James Stadium.

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