Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic comes at a critical time in the New York Rangers’ season.
Like the Rangers took to the ice at LoanDepot Park on Thursday afternoon before their Friday night Winter Classic game against the Florida Panthers, a vibrant and happy atmosphere was evident within the team.
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The Winter Classic only happens once a year, so the opportunity to compete in an event of this magnitude is certainly not taken for granted.
“There is a certain level of enthusiasm around these events that I think brings out the best in our sport,” Mike Sullivan said. “I think it’s such a privilege to have the opportunity to participate in these types of events. I think the league does a wonderful job of making each one unique in its own way… All of these events, in my experience over the years, are so unique, and I think the league does a great job of just embracing each venue and making each one different in the way they play.
“I think for the players and their families, it’s an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. I think these types of events, the players and the coaches and all of us who have the privilege of being a part of these types of events, we’ll be talking about in 20 years.”
The players were laughing and smiling at each other as they took to the ice with excitement and curiosity.
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Although the Rangers participated in training, it was not ordinary. A mix of family, media and fans surrounded the ice in what was more of a spectacle than a practice.
After practice, players were welcomed onto the ice by their families, some of whom had the special opportunity to skate with their children, partners and parents.
“It’s special,” Zibanejad said after being able to share the ice cream with his family. “I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of a few of these events before. Each one is special in its own way. When you can share these moments and share moments with your family and loved ones, it means a lot. It becomes a bigger thing than if you did it. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to do it.”
Friday night’s game will also mark the first time the NHL has hosted an outdoor game in Florida.
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When you think of an outdoor game and especially the Winter Classic, the Sunshine State isn’t exactly the destination that probably comes to mind.
This is truly a unique set of circumstances that the Rangers appear to be embracing.
“I was pleasantly surprised, maybe because the mere perception of playing hockey outside in Florida at this time of year suggests that it’s difficult to keep ice,” Sullivan said. “I thought (the ice) was actually in pretty good shape considering the circumstances. It’s always a challenge in this type of event. I thought it was pretty good today.”
Despite all the hype and spotlight that the Winter Classic presents, it’s hard to remember that there are still two points on the line thanks to this matchup.
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For the Rangers, this event couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. We’re now just past the halfway point of the 2025-26 season, and New York’s play has been sporadic, to say the least.
They are currently 19-18-5 and find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture. Before this match, they also lost three consecutive matches.
At this stage of the season, every game and every point is so important.
If the Blueshirts continue to fall down this rabbit hole of inconsistent play and the playoffs are out of their reach around the time of the trade deadline in March, Rangers general manager Chris Drury may be forced to take a selling approach and focus on accumulating assets for the future.
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The Rangers view the Winter Classic as an opportunity to reset and hope it will be a turning point in their season.
“Obviously against the two-time defending Cup champions in a big stage, I think maybe that could help us get this ship moving in the right direction,” Adam Fox said. “There are only a limited number of matches before the (Olympic) break, and maybe the standings will start to improve a little bit. Some teams have to make decisions on which direction they’re looking to go, so I think it’s a good opportunity for us to go a little bit and finish well before the break.”
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The whole of 2025 has been a difficult year to understand for everyone involved with the Rangers. The team missed the playoffs during the 2024-25 campaign and despite making a substantial move during the offseason by hiring Mike Sullivan as the team’s head coach, New York has shown no signs that they could return to Stanley Cup contender status.
However, 2026 is a new year and it all starts with the Winter Classic.
“It’s opportunities like this. I think looking at how it went, how it ended last season, how it went this season so far, I think it’s for sure,” Zibanejad said of whether the Rangers are using the Winter Classic as a way to change their perspective as a team. “Obviously you don’t want to be in that position to have that as a moment, but here we are, we’re here now.
“Having this opportunity to play an outdoor game with all the families here, and a special game like this, obviously the two points mean a lot, but I think the two points also add a lot more to the experience.”
