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. 2, 2026, in the Winter Classic, with the Tampa Bay Lightning playing host to the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 1, 2026, in a Stadium Series game.

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.

Ice hockey may not evoke thoughts of beaches, sunshine and palm trees but that did not stop the NHL from announcing on Wednesday that, for the first time, it will hold outdoor games in Florida next season.

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.

This marks the sixth time the Bruins will play an NHL game outdoors. The post Bruins set to play Lightning outdoors in Tampa Bay for 2026 Stadium Series appeared first on Boston.com.

Ice hockey may not evoke thoughts of beaches, sunshine and palm trees but that did not stop the NHL from announcing on Wednesday that, for the first time, it will hold outdoor games in Florida next season.

Who would have thought you could play hockey outside in Florida? Next year, the Tampa Bay Lightning will hit the ice al fresco at Raymond James Stadium on Gasparilla weekend.