A Miami Classic: Rangers Shine Outdoors

The 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic delivered on all fronts. In a January spectacle at loanDepot Park in Miami, the Blueshirts extended their perfect record in outdoor games to 6-0-0, continuing to make history on the road.

New York arrived in unmistakable style — all white, Miami Vice–inspired, and tailored to perfection. The arrivals alone became an event, setting the tone before puck drop.

Inside, beneath the still-closed roof and the building anticipation, the Blueshirts embraced the unique atmosphere. Pre-game routines had a different feel, tossing a baseball, juggling a soccer ball, and just soaking in the ballpark’s energy.

Shortly after, the Rangers took the ice for warmups — settling into their familiar routines amid an environment unlike any other.

Then, with the roof open, the stage was set. As the Rangers emerged from the dugout, the Miami night sky overhead, it was time for puck drop.

From the jump, the team played with focus and discipline. Mika Zibanejad set the tone early, opening the scoring and igniting the team. With a power play goal, his 116th with the Rangers, he tied the franchise mark for the most power play goals in franchise history.

Zibanejad wasn’t done. The center recorded the first hat trick in Winter Classic history and finished the night with five points, the most ever in an NHL outdoor game. This was the fourth five-point game (3G-2A) of Zibanejad’s career. His performance, coming just hours after being named to Sweden’s Olympic team, earned him The Cocoa Cup MVP award.

Mika described his emotions after the game, “it’s hard to grasp the whole day. A great 12-16 hours. It’s been a fun day.”

As stellar as the center’s performance was, the evening highlights did not end there. More milestones were reached for the Blueshirts. Artemi Panarin contributed two goals and an assist of his own in the win, increasing his outdoor game totals to seven points (3G-4A) in his career, tied for the most in NHL history.

Alexis Lafrenière registered three assists, his first-career three assist game and tied the record for the most assists in an outdoor game, while Igor Shesterkin had 36 saves on 37 shots.

The 5–1 victory improved the Rangers’ road record to 15-8-2, giving them the most road wins in the league thus far this season.

Palm trees, drifting faux snow, 63-degree temperatures, and a ballpark with our Blueshirt Faithful making their presence felt, made the night one that won’t soon be forgotten. “It was an incredible atmosphere,” said Head Coach Mike Sullivan. “It’s hard not to get excited about it. The venue was terrific, the presentation was great. The enthusiasm was infectious.”