The NHL announced Wednesday that the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers will play host to the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park in Miami — home of baseball’s Marlins — on Jan. 2, 2026, in the Winter Classic, with the Tampa Bay Lightning playing host to the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1, 2026, in a Stadium Series game.

Once in a while, though, the NHL will schedule a game for a warm-weather site. That's what they announced Wednesday. Two outdoor games played in 2026 will be played in the Sunshin

The National Hockey League is enjoying growth in Florida, where two of its most successful current franchises, the Lightning and Panthers, play.

An outdoor NHL game often takes place in winter cities where the temperatures are frequently below zero degrees Celsius. This time, the NHL may have to push its limits for the presentation of its next two outdoor games.