The NHL is taking the game outdoors to the Sunshine State! This Friday, January 2, 2026, the New York Rangers face off against the Florida Panthers in the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic. It’s a historic night as loanDepot Park in Miami transforms from a baseball diamond to a hockey rink, marking the first time the Winter Classic has been hosted in Florida.
Whether you are a Blueshirt faithful or a fervent Panthers fan, you won’t want to miss a second of this unique atmosphere. Below is everything you need to know to catch the game live on TV and online.
Game Time, Channel, and Broadcast Information
The puck drop is scheduled for primetime, and coverage will be extensive across North America.
- Date: Friday, January 2, 2026
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Location: loanDepot park, Miami, FL
- TV Channel (USA): TNT, truTV
- Streaming (USA): HBO Max (B/R Sports Add-On)
- TV Channel (Canada): Sportsnet, TVA Sports
- Streaming (Canada): Sportsnet+
For cord-cutters in the US, HBO Max is your go-to destination for the simulcast. In Canada, standard Sportsnet subscription options apply.
Team Records, Leading Scorers & Injury Report
Both teams enter this outdoor spectacle looking to correct their recent form, making the stakes even higher than just the spectacle of the event.
New York Rangers (19-18-5) The Rangers have hit a mid-season slump, coming into the Winter Classic with a sub-.500 record. They are fresh off a tough 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals, marking their third straight defeat.
- Leading Scorer: Artemi Panarin continues to be the engine for New York, leading the team with 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) this season. Mika Zibanejad follows with 30 points.
- Key Injuries: The Rangers are relatively healthy but are looking for more depth scoring from their bottom six to support the top line.
Florida Panthers (21-15-3) The hosts have had a solid season but are looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking 3-2 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Playing at home (albeit in a baseball stadium) should provide a massive boost.
- Leading Scorer: The shock signing of the offseason continues to pay dividends, as Brad Marchand leads the team with 23 goals and 45 points, forming a lethal duo with Sam Reinhart.
- Key Injuries: The biggest question mark surrounds star forward Matthew Tkachuk, who has been practicing but remains without a concrete timeline for return. His grit would be a massive missed asset in a game like this.
My Prediction and Betting Insight
Personally, I think the atmosphere in Miami is going to favor the Panthers heavily. While the Rangers have the road warrior reputation, their recent defensive lapses (giving up 6 goals to Washington) are concerning against a Florida offense that added Marchand’s finishing touch.
The betting odds currently sit with Florida as a -142 favorite, and the Over/Under is set at 5.5. Given the outdoor ice conditions usually leading to choppier play and tighter checking, I’m wary of the Over, but the Rangers’ goaltending struggles might open the door.
My Pick: I’m taking the Florida Panthers to win 3-2 in regulation. The value on Florida at -142 feels right given the Rangers’ current 3-game skid.
Finding the Action and Tracking Stats
If you are struggling with finding the New York Rangers on TV today, remember that TNT is the exclusive home for this game in the States. For those tracking the Florida Panthers TV schedule moving forward, they return to regular indoor action later this week. As we hit the halfway mark of the season, keep an eye on the NHL point leaders 2025-26 season race; Panarin is climbing, but the Panthers’ top guns are right there with him. Don’t forget to check out our online hockey pool for cash prizes on my website to test your knowledge against other fans!
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