MIAMI – Mika Zibanejad had an extraordinary day that combined multiple milestones in the span of several hours. After securing a spot on Sweden's Olympic team, he proceeded to record a hat trick and became the first NHL player ever to tally five points in an outdoor game, leading the New York Rangers to a commanding 5-1 victory over the Florida Panthers on Friday night. This contest was notable as the NHL’s first ever outdoor game hosted in Florida, specifically at loanDepot Park, home of MLB's Miami Marlins.
Artemi Panarin contributed two goals, while Alexis Lafrenière facilitated three assists for the Rangers. Meanwhile, goaltender Igor Shesterkin was instrumental, turning away 36 shots. The win improved New York’s perfect record when playing outdoors to six wins with no losses.
Reflecting on the rapid sequence of achievements, Zibanejad remarked, "I think it's hard to grasp the whole day. But yeah, a great 12, 16 hours. It's been a fun day."
For the Panthers, Sam Reinhart was the lone goal scorer in their first outdoor game ever, a match that added to their struggles with four losses in the past six contests. Florida conceded back-to-back goals within 64 seconds late in the first period—both scored by Zibanejad and Panarin—establishing a 2-0 deficit that the Rangers would hold for the remainder of the game.
Head coach Paul Maurice praised the NHL’s efforts, labeling the event "spectacular" and expressing admiration for how well the ice held up despite the southern climate. "The spectacle was incredible," Maurice said. "It was just brilliant, the entire kind of weekend. I would imagine the Rangers really loved it. But for the losing coach, it was an incredible memory."
Florida had a more aggressive physical presence, registering 38 hits compared to New York's 20, and outshot the Rangers 37 to 20. However, numerous Panther attempts were blocked. The blue-shirted Rangers relied on both their defensive resilience and their opportunistic offense.
Rangers coach Mike Sullivan emphasized Zibanejad's role as a core player and his versatility on the ice: "We rely on him in so many circumstances out there on both sides of the puck." Zibanejad’s empty-net goal, arriving with just over a minute remaining, capped his standout performance. Attempts by fans to throw hats in celebration were largely unsuccessful due to the seating arrangement and distance from the ice surface, yet Zibanejad acknowledged the unwavering support: "We have amazing support wherever we go."
The game environment featured dramatic production elements, including an open roof and large sliding window panels behind what is typically left field at loanDepot Park. Snowflakes intermittently fell from the stadium’s upper edges, accompanied by bursts of fire as players entered the ice, adding to the atmosphere after extended planning to adapt a baseball field for hockey.
Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad described the event as an "awesome experience" and a "true first-class experience," expressing enjoyment in participating despite the loss.
Concerns about ice quality given the 63-degree Fahrenheit (17 Celsius) temperature were noted, with some players mentioning that the surface was less conducive to fast-paced play. Nonetheless, conditions were adequate for the Rangers, who had entered the game with a recent record of four wins, six losses, and three overtime decisions over the last 13 games.
This temperature ranks as the second warmest for any NHL outdoor game counting in the standings, slightly lower than a 2016 game in Denver, Colorado.
The Rangers, accompanied by artificial snow effects along their entrance path, took to the ice shortly before the Panthers arrived as accompanying fire displays erupted. Snowfall began as the roof continued opening. Among the pregame festivities was recognition of several players from both teams named to the U.S. Olympic hockey team set to compete at the Milan Cortina Games, including Panthers defenseman Seth Jones and injured forward Matthew Tkachuk, who was honored with an American flag draped over his shoulders to enthusiastic crowd response.
The teams made a vivid entrance reflecting Miami’s cultural flair – the Rangers donning all-white attire akin to beachwear, while the Panthers sported 'Miami Vice' inspired white suits with pastel shirts and arrived in Ferraris rather than a team bus.
Coach Sullivan reflected on the historical significance of hosting an NHL outdoor game in Florida, a location that might have seemed unlikely decades ago: "It speaks volumes for technology and its advancements and the ability to put a sheet of ice down in this type of environment."
The Rangers are scheduled to host Utah on Monday, while the Panthers will welcome Colorado on Sunday for their next regular season matches.