The New York Rangers are set to play their sixth outdoor game in franchise history this Friday, facing the Florida Panthers in the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida.
The Rangers have an undefeated record in outdoor games, having won all five previous contests. They are currently the only NHL team with five outdoor victories.
Their first outdoor appearance was on January 2, 2012, against the Philadelphia Flyers at Citizens Bank Park. The game was marked by a delayed start due to weather conditions and saw the Rangers come from behind to win 3-2. Mike Rupp scored twice for New York, and Brad Richards added another goal. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made a crucial penalty shot save with less than 20 seconds left to secure the victory.
On January 26, 2014, as part of the NHL Stadium Series at Yankee Stadium, the Rangers defeated the New Jersey Devils 7-3. After trailing early in the game, they rallied with goals from Marc Staal and Mats Zuccarello among others. Derek Stepan sealed the win with a penalty shot goal.
Three days later on January 29, also at Yankee Stadium, they faced off against the New York Islanders and won 2-1. Benoit Pouliot tied the game late in the second period before Daniel Carcillo scored what would be the game-winning goal early in the third period.
The Rangers’ fourth outdoor contest took place on January 1, 2018, at Citi Field against the Buffalo Sabres during another Winter Classic event. Paul Carey and Michael Grabner gave them an early lead before J.T. Miller scored an overtime power-play goal for a 3-2 victory.
Most recently, on February 18, 2024, they played against the Islanders again at MetLife Stadium as part of that season’s Stadium Series. Despite falling behind by three goals during regulation time and trailing by two late in the third period, comeback efforts led by Vincent Trocheck helped tie up the score before Artemi Panarin netted an overtime winner just ten seconds into extra time.
With anticipation building for their next outdoor appearance against Florida’s Panthers at loanDepot park—the home stadium of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins—the Rangers aim to extend their perfect record outdoors as they celebrate New Year’s Day in South Beach.
