The New York Rangers remain kings of the road and champions of the outdoor game.
Playing in the first outdoor game to be held in the Sunshine State, the Rangers routed the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers 5-1 at the Winter Classic in loanDepot Park to improve to 6-0 in outdoor games and set records in the process.
Mika Zibanejad, named to Team Sweden in the morning, recorded the first hat trick in Winter Classic history. He also had the first five-point outdoor game, breaking the record of four set by Jordan Kyrou in the 2022 Winter Classic.
Artemi Panarin scored the Rangers’ other two goals as New York improved to 15-8-2 on the road. They’re 5-10-3 at home.
The Panthers lost defenseman Seth Jones to injury about 12 hours after the announcement that he made the U.S. Olympic team. He was hit up high by a puck.
‘It doesn’t look terrible right now,’ coach Paul Maurice said. ‘He just has to get looked at tomorrow.’
The Rangers and Panthers are tied with 45 points, one point out of a playoff spot.
Maurice was upbeat about the experience, despite the big loss.
‘This was an incredible event,’ he said. ‘I can’t believe how many people worked on this, and they got it all right. This is the losing coach (talking). Incredible memories. … I thought it was spectacular. I imagine the Rangers really loved it.’
USA TODAY Sports provided live updates from the Winter Classic. Here are game highlights:
Rangers vs. Panthers Winter Classic highlights
Final score: Rangers 5, Panthers 1
The Rangers defeat the two-time defending champions behind three goals from Mika Zibanejad and two from Artemi Panarin. It’s the Rangers’ 15th road win this season.
Mika Zibanejad hat trick
He scores a short-handed empty netter for the first hat trick in Winter Classic history. It’s his fifth point of the game, an outdoor record. Rangers 5, Panthers 1
Panthers goal waved off
Sam Reinhart is ruled to have kicked the puck into the net. No goal.
Panthers power play
Carson Soucy is called for interference. Sergei Bobrovsky comes off the ice for an extra skater with 3:22 left.
Rangers add to lead
Artemi Panarin scores on the power play for his second goal of the game. Mika Zibanejad picks up his fourth point of the game. That ties a Winter Classic record by the Blues’ Jordan Kyrou. Rangers 4, Panthers 1
Panthers power play
Matthew Robertson is called for delay of game. Officials said he intentionally knocked the net off its moorings. New York kills it off, allowing no shots.
Panthers get one goal back
Sam Reinhart scores. Aaron Ekblad makes a great keep-in and picks up a secondary assist. Rangers 3, Panthers 1
Panthers power play
New York’s Jonny Brodzinski is called for tripping. Aaron Ekblad is taking Seth Jones’ spot on the power play point.
Third period underway
3-0 Rangers. Alexis Lafreniere (three assists) is back after being shaken up late in the second period.
End of second: Rangers 3, Panthers 0
Mika Zibanejad added to the Rangers’ lead early in the period with his second goal of the game. Alexis Lafreniere has three assists, tying the record for most assists in an outdoor game
Seth Jones injury update
The Florida defenseman won’t return to the game because of an upper body injury, the Panthers announced. He was hit up high by a puck.
Rangers goal waved off
The Rangers knock the puck into the net with a high stick and the goal is waved off. Still 3-0 Rangers.
Rangers add to lead
Mika Zibanejad scores 58 seconds into the second period for his second goal of the game. Alexis Lafreniere picks up his third assist of the game. Rangers 3, Panthers 0
Second period underway
2-0 Rangers.
Rangers-Panthers first period highlights
The Rangers lead the Panthers 2-0 after a pair of goals late in the opening period.
Rangers jump ahead with 2-0 lead
The Rangers scored another quick goal with 3:47 left in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. Artemi Panarin was credited with the goal after a deflection. It’s Panarin’s 15th goal of the season.
Mika Zibanejad gives Rangers early lead
After 15:09 in the first period, Mika Zibanejad provided New York with the first lead of the game on a power play.
Vincent Trocheck called for delay of game
Rangers center Vincent Trocheck was sent to the penalty box for two minutes after being called for delaying the game. Trocheck hit the puck over the glass.
Panthers center Jack Studnicka was called for a similar penalty later in the period.
Panthers’ Seth Jones leaves game with injury
Panthers defenseman Seth Jones left the game with an apparent upper-body injury.
Jones appeared to be in distress after taking a puck to the left shoulder/collarbone area.
He was seen briefly on the TNT broadcast entering a medical tent on the sideline. It was said on the broadcast that Jones was headed toward the dressing room. He’s likely to be evaluated further.
Rangers, Panthers attempt early shots
The Rangers managed to produce two shots on goal compared to the Panthers’ one shot on goal through the first three minutes of the opening period. The game remains scoreless.
Panthers goaltender Sergi Bobrovsky was credited with two early saves.
What channel is Panthers vs Rangers Winter Classic today?
TV channel: TNT, truTV
Livestream: Sling TV and HBO Max
Watch Winter Classic on Sling TV
What time is Panthers vs Rangers Winter Classic today?
Date: Friday, Jan. 2
Time: 8 p.m. ET
The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
Winter Classic Panthers vs Rangers: How to watch, stream
Time: 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 2
Location: loanDepot Park (Miami, Florida)
TV: TNT, truTV
Streaming: Sling TV and HBO Max
Winter Classic weather forecast
The weather forecast at 8 p.m. ET in Miami calls for mostly clear skies and 64 degrees. The temperature will drop to 61 during the game.
Florida Panthers lineup
New York Rangers lineup
How is the ice?
Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said he was ‘pleasantly surprised’ by the quality of ice at loanDepot Park, especially given the perception of playing outdoors in Florida. ‘I thought it was pretty good conditions, given the circumstances,’ he said on Jan. 1.
Outdoor games in Florida
This will be the first outdoor game of two in Florida this season. The Lightning will host the Bruins on Feb. 1 in Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium.
U.S. Olympic roster announced
Two Rangers players made the U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team: J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck. Panthers defenseman Seth Jones also made the team, but Rangers defenseman Adam Fox did not. Fox had played for the USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off, as did Miller and Trocheck. Rangers coach Mike Sullivan is coach of the U.S. team.
Panthers arrive in style
Rangers, Panthers record in outdoor games
The Rangers are 5-0 in outdoor games. The Panthers are making their outdoor debut. Former Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, part of the TNT studio crew for the game, went 4-0 in outdoor games with the Rangers.
Rangers arrive in Miami Vice attire
One of the subplots of an outdoor game is which coordinated outfits the teams will wear when entering the stadium. In the past, the Flyers dressed like Rocky, the Golden Knights dressed like Elvis and the Blue Jackets and Red Wings paid tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau.
The Rangers adopted a Miami Vice look on Friday when they arrived at loanDepot Park.