Imagine playing ice hockey in the sunshine! That's what the NHL has planned for 2026. The league is shaking things up by hosting two outdoor games in Florida. On January 2, the Florida Panthers will face the New York Rangers at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins. This will be the first NHL game ever played outdoors in Florida. A month later, on February 1, the Boston Bruins will take on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, sees Florida as a hockey hotbed. With warm weather comes challenges, but the league is up for it. The ice surface will be a big concern, especially in Miami where the temperature can reach 83°F (28°C) in January. But the league has plans to protect the ice with a retractable roof in Miami and other measures in Tampa.

The Panthers and Lightning have been doing great. The Panthers won their first Stanley Cup last year, and the Lightning have three Cups, including two back-to-back wins. The Rangers are also a strong team, with a perfect outdoor record.

The NHL's outdoor games have had mixed results. The Chicago Blackhawks have never won an outdoor game, while the St. Louis Blues had a great time at the 2025 Winter Classic.

The league is not stopping there. In less than two months, they will host another outdoor game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. Fans will fill the famous Horseshoe when the Blue Jackets face the Detroit Red Wings.

These outdoor games are a fun challenge for the NHL and a unique experience for fans.

Florida Heats Up with NHL's Outdoor Games in 2026

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