The NHL has made official their plans for outdoor games hosted by the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Every year since 2008, the NHL has played at least one game outdoors whether it be in the Winter Classic, Stadium Series or Heritage Classic. Almost every time these games are scheduled, they're scheduled for cold weather sites because, you know, if it's too warm the ice will melt. Melted ice isn't great conditions for a hockey game.

Hockey. Outdoors. In Florida. Next season, the NHL is making it happen — twice. 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.

Classic will feature the Panthers against the Rangers at the Miami Marlins' home park and the Stadium Series game will be played between the Lightning and Bruins at the home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

BOSTON -- The Boston Bruins will play another outdoors game next season in a very interesting setting. Boston will take on the Lightning at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa as part of the NHL's Stadium Series on Feb. 1, 2026, the league announced Wednesday. Because nothing screams outdoor hockey like Tampa, Florida.

The Panthers will host the Rangers at loanDepot park on Jan. 2, 2026, and the Lightning will host the Bruins at the Raymond James on Feb. 1.

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.