Mika Zibanejad’s historic hat trick leads Rangers in impressive win over Panthers in Winter Classic

MIAMI — Even with a beach 3½ miles away, the Rangers remained undefeated outdoors. 

An unexpectedly dominant 5-1 win over the Panthers in the 2026 Winter Classic Friday night at LoanDepot Park improved the Blueshirts to 6-0-0 in outdoor games since they first competed in one 14 years ago. 

Successfully defending the franchise record the way they did was one thing. 

Artemi Panarin of the New York Rangers celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the third period of the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic game between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers at loanDepot park on January 2, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NHLI via Getty Images

The Rangers’ unrelenting effort against the defending back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, however, was the real stepping stone in a season that hasn’t had many. 

With a victory in the third-warmest outdoor contest in NHL history at 61 degrees, the Rangers snapped a three-game losing skid. 

The Rangers showed the beach goers how it’s done up north in the first ever outdoor game in Florida. 

Fending off five of the Panthers’ six power plays, the Rangers also blocked 27 shots through 60 minutes.

They may have been limited to six shots on goal in each of the first two periods, but the Rangers consistently generated high-quality opportunities that they were able to capitalize on. 

The power play also scored two goals for just the fifth time this season. 

They got to stick it to the Panthers on national television. They got to do it in front of a sold out and split crowd of 36,153. 

Feel-good games aren’t always enough in a season like the one the Rangers are currently having. This was one the team should hang its hat on. One that should fuel confidence and serve as a building block. 

Mika Zibanejad spearheaded the victory with three goals and two assists, while Artemi Panarin chipped in three points (two goals, one assist). Alexis Lafreniere also pieced together one of his better efforts of the season in the form of a three-assist performance.