New York Rangers to play in next winter classic? It was just confirmed in recent announcement
Major development has surfaced regarding The New York Rangers playing in the next outdoor play, as they have been named on a shortlist as a team that could head south to Miami, to play in the Winter Classic.
According to a report by Florida Hockey Now, the former Stanley Cup champions are in line for the next Winter Classic.
The unusual part? The Winter Classic could be taking place in the warmer, temperate climate of Miami. That doesn't sound conducive to a game that requires a colder climate.
An outdoor game in Florida might seem a little crazy, but there is precedent. Dodger Stadium hosted a Stadium Series game in 2014, in addition to outdoor games in Santa Clara, Texas and Nashville. With high temperatures Thursday in Miami forecast for 75 degrees, LoanDepot Park's retractable roof could come in handy.
The Rangers would be a massive draw for the NHL in this sort of setting, as they've been on the ice for two Winter Classics in 2012 against the Philadelphia Flyers, and 2018 against the Buffalo Sabres.
The Rangers are 2-0 in their outdoor matches against their Metropolitan Division, and Atlantic Division opponents.
It's not entirely clear at this point if this means the Winter Classic will be held in Miami or an additional Stadium Series game. However, Miami certainly would fit the criteria laid out by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who said in Chicago for this year's Winter Classic that the next location would be «unusual,» «unique» and would leave «some people (thinking) we've lost our minds.»
The Bruins and Rangers were thrown around as possible opponents in 2026.
As to who the Panthers will host for the «outdoor» game, the Bruins and New York Rangers are currently the most likely options, according to the report. It sounds like the Rangers are the more likely opponent, based on the reporting, but the mere mention of the Bruins seemingly gives an idea of the league's thinking.
Given the New York Rangers' history with the Panthers, it'd be a great idea to see the Rangers reignite the Eastern Conference rivalry and defeat the Panthers, as they failed to do so in 2023.
In 2012 the Rangers faced off against the Philadelphia Flyers in Citizens Bank Park, and in 2018 at Citi Field.
NHL action heads outdoors for the Winter Classic, an annual event typically played in football and baseball stadiums across the United States around New Year's Day. The game is part of the league's broader outdoor series, which also includes the Stadium Series and the Canada-focused Heritage Classic.
The New York Rangers are 2-0 in Winter Classic matches, and their last outdoor game was in the 2024 Stadium Series against their Long Island rivals, the New York Islanders.
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