"This year's Winter Classic could be one of the more impactful outdoor games in recent memory. Every year, the NHL opens up the New Year with the Winter Classic, an annual outdoor game that showcases tradition, the leagues best players and teams, in addition to some cool retro hockey jerseys. But this year's Winter Classic is not only set to extend the tradition, but it could also play a significant role in what is one of the closest NHL standings in recent memory."
"As of the end of December 31st, the Florida Panthers trail the Buffalo Sabres (yes, the Buffalo Sabres) by one point for the final wild card spot, while the New York Rangers sit two points adrift of the Florida Panthers and three back of Buffalo for a playoff spot. While Florida will enter this game as the slight favourite, their hopes of winning their debut Winter Classic on home ice will be hindered by Matthew Tkachuk's recovery."
The Winter Classic will be played at LoanDepot Park, home of MLB's Miami Marlins, marking the first outdoor NHL game in Florida. A second Florida-hosted outdoor game will follow when the Tampa Bay Lightning meet the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium on February 1st. The matchup features the Florida Panthers hosting the New York Rangers; it will be the Panthers' first-ever outdoor game and the Rangers' third Winter Classic and fifth outdoor appearance overall. The game could affect the tight Eastern Conference playoff battle: as of December 31 the Panthers trail Buffalo by one point for the final wild-card and the Rangers sit two points behind Florida. Florida's chances may be impacted by Matthew Tkachuk's recovery.
Read at Puck Prose
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