Send the New York Rangers outdoors, and they become unbeatable. Mika Zibanejad had a hat trick, Artemi Panarin scored twice and the Rangers beat the Florida

The Rangers — with a snow effect around their walkway — were called to the ice at 8:13. The Panthers — as fire shot skyward along their path — came out about a minute later. And that’s about when snowflakes began falling from the top of the stadium, as the roof continued opening.

There are enough reasons for Mike Sullivan to feel down about the New York Rangers these days, but he isn’t. Instead, the Rangers coach remains as bullish as ever about his team, heading into the 2026 NHL Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers on Friday.

The New York Rangers are being named as a landing spot for one of the top trade targets ahead of the deadline.

RANGERS RUNDOWN The New York Rangers will face the Florida Panthers in the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic, the NHL’s 44th outdoor game and first-ever in the State of Florida, at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins (8:00 PM - TV: TNT - Radio: 1150 ESPN).

The Winnipeg Jets and New York Rangers face a crossroads in the trade market. Do they buy now to try to improve their chances of reaching the playoffs, or start selling their pending UFAs?