Not every <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> playoff team arrived with momentum. In certain seasons, the standings told an uncomfortable story: clubs with more losses than wins advancing while others packed up early, victims of divisional math rather than on-ice results.



Some cases emerged from expansion imbalance, weak divisions, and formats that favored survival over excellence. The records were ugly, the margins thin, and the logic often questionable, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/most-consecutive-losses-in-nhl-history">losing streaks</a> telling the real story.



Years later, those playoff entries still stand out. They weren’t memorable for long runs or trophies, but for how low the bar once sat—and how the postseason occasionally welcomed teams that barely held it together.



<h2>The worst records ever to make the NHL playoffs</h2>



<h3>Vancouver Canucks (1978–79)</h3>



The 1978–79 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/vancouver-canucks">Vancouver Canucks</a> are a fascinating snapshot of how league structure can rewrite competitive fairness. In an era when nearly two-thirds of NHL clubs qualified for the postseason, they managed to earn a Stanley Cup Playoffs spot despite a 25-42-13 record (63 points).



Their qualification was less about success and more about the Smythe Division’s collective weakness; Vancouver’s point total was second only to division mate Chicago, whose own record was barely above .500.



On ice, they were an inconsistent outfit. Though Ron Sedlbauer cracked 40 goals and served as a rare bright spot, the team’s –74 goal differential reflected defensive instability and offensive stagnation against stronger opponents.



In the playoffs, Vancouver proved why their regular season results weren’t a fluke: they were eliminated in the preliminary round by the Philadelphia Flyers in a best-of-three, managing just one win before bowing out.



<h3>Oakland Seals (1969–70)</h3>



If early NHL expansion had a poster child for competitive futility, it would be the 1969–70 Oakland Seals. In just their third season, they limped to a 22–40–14 record (58 points) and finished dead last among playoff qualifiers — a team that, under modern formats, would have been nowhere near postseason contention.



But the context is key: the NHL’s post-1967 expansion divisions were notoriously uneven. Teams simply didn’t have enough talent depth to keep up with longstanding franchises, and the West Division in particular was an early battleground for instability.



Oakland’s offense sputtered (169 goals scored), their defense was porous (243 allowed), and the club’s roster featured few impact stars. Ted Hampson led the club with just 52 points, and Carol Vadnais paced the team with 24 goals — modest totals even for that era.



Their playoff run was short and bitter: swept 4-0 by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the quarterfinals. But the Seals’ mere presence in the playoffs remains one of the more surreal snapshots of how expansion growing pains could catapult underachieving teams into April hockey.



<h3>Los Angeles Kings (1968–69)</h3>



Two years before the Oakland Seals’ playoff appearance, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/los-angeles-kings">Los Angeles Kings</a> of 1968–69 embodied the same paradox: a club with poor results but postseason access. Their 24–42–10 record and 58 points look bleak on paper, yet Los Angeles finished fourth in the West Division and qualified for playoff action.



This was a formative NHL era, shortly after the league doubled in size. Competitive balance hadn’t caught up to rapid expansion, and divisions like the West were composed of teams still finding their identities.



In a twist of fate, this Kings squad actually won a playoff game and pushed their quarterfinal series to seven games, an unexpected achievement given their regular season struggles, before an eventual defeat.



<h3>Toronto Maple Leafs (1987–88)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/08103223/Toronto-Maple-Leafs-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-558465"></figure><figcaption>1987–88 Toronto Maple Leafs (Source: NHL Auctions)</figcaption></figure>



When discussing the worst teams to make the NHL playoffs, no story hits harder than the 1987–88 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a>. This club finished the season 21–49–10, accumulating just 52 points — the fewest of any team ever to reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs in a full season since the modern era began.



Toronto’s plight was a perfect storm of structural advantage and on-ice ineptitude. They were part of the Norris Division, widely viewed as the weakest in the league that year, and took advantage of a format that advanced four teams from each division regardless of overall performance.



Statistically, this Maple Leafs team was a sieve defensively (outscored 345–273) and scraped out wins only sporadically. Eddie Olczyk’s 42 goals were a lone offensive bright spot in a season most fans would rather forget.



They clinched their playoff berth by a hair, edging the Minnesota North Stars by a single point, only to be dispatched in the opening round. Even decades later, the ’87-88 Leafs are the benchmark for how low a seasonal win total can be and still result in playoff hockey.



<h2>Which teams have the most losses in the NHL playoffs?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Team</td><td>Season</td><td>Losses</td><td>Games played</td></tr><tr><td>Dallas Stars</td><td>2019-20</td><td>12</td><td>27</td></tr><tr><td>Tampa Bay Lightning</td><td>2014-15</td><td>12</td><td>26</td></tr><tr><td>New York Rangers</td><td>2013-14</td><td>12</td><td>25</td></tr><tr><td>Calgary Flames</td><td>2003-04</td><td>11</td><td>26</td></tr><tr><td>Philadelphia Flyers</td><td>1986-87</td><td>11</td><td>26</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>1992-93</td><td>11</td><td>24</td></tr><tr><td>St. Louis Blues</td><td>2018-19</td><td>10</td><td>26</td></tr><tr><td>Los Angeles Kings</td><td>2013-14</td><td>10</td><td>26</td></tr><tr><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>2023-24</td><td>10</td><td>25</td></tr><tr><td>Vancouver Canucks</td><td>2010-11</td><td>10</td><td>25</td></tr><tr><td>New Jersey Devils</td><td>2000-01</td><td>10</td><td>25</td></tr><tr><td>San Jose Sharks</td><td>2015-16</td><td>10</td><td>24</td></tr><tr><td>New Jersey Devils</td><td>2011-12</td><td>10</td><td>24</td></tr><tr><td>Carolina Hurricanes</td><td>2001-02</td><td>10</td><td>23</td></tr><tr><td>Florida Panthers</td><td>1995-96</td><td>10</td><td>22</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>1987-88</td><td>10</td><td>22</td></tr><tr><td>Calgary Flames</td><td>1985-86</td><td>10</td><td>22</td></tr><tr><td>Colorado Avalanche</td><td>2001-02</td><td>10</td><td>21</td></tr><tr><td>Toronto Maple Leafs</td><td>1992-93</td><td>10</td><td>21</td></tr><tr><td>New York Rangers</td><td>2021-22</td><td>10</td><td>20</td></tr><tr><td>San Jose Sharks</td><td>2018-19</td><td>10</td><td>20</td></tr><tr><td>St. Louis Blues</td><td>2015-16</td><td>10</td><td>20</td></tr><tr><td>New York Rangers</td><td>2011-12</td><td>9</td><td>20</td></tr><tr><td>Toronto Maple Leafs</td><td>2001-02</td><td>9</td><td>20</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Blackhawks</td><td>1989-90</td><td>9</td><td>20</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>(Source: NHL Records)</figcaption></figure>

Teams with the worst records that qualified for NHL playoffs: Who was the lowest-seeded?

Teams with the worst records that qualified for NHL playoffs: Who was the lowest-seeded? - Bolavip US

miniaturas

In the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>, losing can arrive quietly, then grow impossible to escape. Certain seasons spiraled beyond bad luck, turning nightly defeats into historic stretches that reshaped franchises and lingered long after the final buzzer.



Some extended skids weren’t always the result of a single flaw. Injuries, thin rosters, expansion growing pains and organizational missteps often converged, creating moments where losses became part of the routine.



The league’s longest losing streaks now live as cautionary tales, remembered not just for their length but for what followed. Within those numbers lie turning points, rebuilds, and chapters that helped define NHL history.



<h2>Which teams have the longest losing streaks in NHL history?</h2>



The record books point to two franchises tied at the top for futility. Both the 1974–75 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-capitals">Washington Capitals</a> and the 1992–93 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-jose-sharks">San Jose Sharks</a> endured 17 straight losses, marking the longest losing streaks in NHL regular-season history.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260106_BUS_557399_Buffalo-Sabres_6c92f062.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-557417"></figure><figcaption>Drew Stafford #21 of the Buffalo Sabres in 2014 (Source: Sean Rudyk/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Those stretches came during formative years for each club, when roster instability and performance struggles compounded night after night. For the Capitals, the skid unfolded as a brutal winter stretch that defined an otherwise difficult inaugural era.



In San Jose, expansion-era growing pains were on full display, with a young Sharks roster unable to find consistency despite flashes of effort. These lengthy droughts now stand as stark reminders of the challenges new or rebuilding teams face in a league where parity can be unforgiving.



More recently, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/buffalo-sabres">Buffalo Sabres</a> experienced a 14-game run without a win in the 2014–15 season. Even as game designs, skill levels and structures have changed, the persistence of prolonged losing streaks shows how difficult it can be to halt a downward spiral once it starts.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Team</td><td>Streak</td><td>Season</td></tr><tr><td>Washington Capitals</td><td>17</td><td>1974-75</td></tr><tr><td>San Jose Sharks</td><td>17</td><td>1992-93</td></tr><tr><td>Philadelphia Quakers</td><td>15</td><td>1930-31</td></tr><tr><td>Kansas City Scouts</td><td>14</td><td>1975-76</td></tr><tr><td>Detroit Red Wings</td><td>14</td><td>1981-82</td></tr><tr><td>Quebec Nordiques</td><td>14</td><td>1990-91</td></tr><tr><td>Ottawa Senators</td><td>14</td><td>1992-93</td></tr><tr><td>Buffalo Sabres</td><td>14</td><td>2014-15</td></tr><tr><td>Pittsburgh Pirates</td><td>13</td><td>1929-30</td></tr><tr><td>Washington Capitals</td><td>13</td><td>1981-82</td></tr><tr><td>San Jose Sharks</td><td>13</td><td>1991-92</td></tr><tr><td>San Jose Sharks</td><td>13</td><td>1992-93</td></tr><tr><td>San Jose Sharks</td><td>13</td><td>1992-93</td></tr><tr><td>Tampa Bay Lightning</td><td>13</td><td>1997-98</td></tr><tr><td>Florida Panthers</td><td>13</td><td>1997-98</td></tr><tr><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>13</td><td>2003-04</td></tr><tr><td>Montreal Canadiens</td><td>12</td><td>1925-26</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Blackhawks</td><td>12</td><td>1950-51</td></tr><tr><td>New York Islanders</td><td>12</td><td>1972-73</td></tr><tr><td>Washington Capitals</td><td>12</td><td>1975-76</td></tr><tr><td>New York Islanders</td><td>12</td><td>1988-89</td></tr><tr><td>San Jose Sharks</td><td>12</td><td>2023-24</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>11</td><td>1924-25</td></tr><tr><td>New York Rangers</td><td>11</td><td>1943-44</td></tr><tr><td>Detroit Red Wings</td><td>11</td><td>1976-77</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>(Source: NHL Records)</figcaption></figure>

Most consecutive losses in NHL: What are the longest losing streaks in history?

Most consecutive losses in NHL: What are the longest losing streaks in history? - Bolavip US

Consecutive wins have always been a key indicator of dominance in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> history. Sustained streaks separate short-term success from true control, especially in a league defined by parity, travel demands and physical play.



Across different eras, only a small group of teams managed to extend winning runs deep into the regular season. These streaks were shaped by roster balance, consistent goaltending, and stretches of the schedule that tested depth.



The longest winning streaks remain part of the NHL record book, marking moments when teams combined timing, structure, and performance to produce runs that still stand among the league’s most notable achievements.



<h2>Pittsburgh Penguins and their unmatched 17-game win streak</h2>



The most consecutive wins in NHL history belong to the 1992–93 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/pittsburgh-penguins">Pittsburgh Penguins</a>, who recorded 17 straight regular-season victories from March 9 to April 10, 1993. That run remains the league’s longest winning streak on record and stands as a benchmark for team consistency and performance over a condensed stretch of play.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260105_BUS_556814_Ulf-Samuelsson_4a5d30ec.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-556824"></figure><figcaption>Ulf Samuelsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992 (Source: Rick Stewart /Allsport)</figcaption></figure>



Led by future Hall of Famers like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr and Ron Francis, the Penguins dominated opponents during this span, combining elite scoring with tight defensive play. 



The run not only set a league-wide record but also reflected the era’s high-octane style of hockey, with Pittsburgh finishing the season with 56 wins and 119 points. Despite the record’s longevity, it still casts a long shadow over subsequent attempts. 



Across decades, no other franchise has surpassed the Penguins’ 17-game mark, underscoring how difficult sustained regular-season dominance can be even for elite teams.



<h2>Close contenders: Teams that came within one win of NHL history</h2>



Several clubs have approached Pittsburgh’s mark without surpassing it. Notably, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/columbus-blue-jackets">Columbus Blue Jackets</a> posted a 16-game winning streak during the 2016–17 season, showcasing one of the most explosive regular-season runs in recent memory. That streak propelled them into playoff contention and highlighted the growth of a franchise that had struggled in its early years.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260105_BUS_556814_Oilers_aa036dab.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-556820"></figure><figcaption>Stuart Skinner #74 of the Edmonton Oilers in 2023 (Source: Ethan Miller/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/edmonton-oilers">Edmonton Oilers</a> also recorded a 16-game run in 2023–24, tying Columbus’s total and reflecting a powerful offensive era built around superstars like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/connor-mcdavid">Connor McDavid</a>. This performance marked the Oilers’ best winning stretch in modern history and one of the closest attempts to break the all-time record.



Beyond the top two, a handful of teams have registered remarkable streaks that still stand among the longest in league history. The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-islanders">New York Islanders</a> of 1981–82 and the Penguins again in 2012–13 each posted 15-game winning streaks, extending their place near the top of the all-time list.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a> appear multiple times among the longest streaks, with a 14-game run during the early 20th century, demonstrating that deep runs aren’t limited to one era. 



Similarly, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/washington-capitals">Washington Capitals</a> and others have recorded streaks of 14 games or more, proving that while Pittsburgh’s mark remains exceptional, wide stretches of dominance have surfaced across generations.



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Team</td><td>Streak</td><td>Season</td></tr><tr><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>17</td><td>1992-93</td></tr><tr><td>Edmonton Oilers</td><td>16</td><td>2023-24</td></tr><tr><td>Columbus Blue Jackets</td><td>16</td><td>2016-17</td></tr><tr><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>15</td><td>2012-13</td></tr><tr><td>New York Islanders</td><td>15</td><td>1981-82</td></tr><tr><td>Washington Capitals</td><td>14</td><td>2009-10</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>14</td><td>1929-30</td></tr><tr><td>New Jersey Devils</td><td>13</td><td>2022-23</td></tr><tr><td>Florida Panthers</td><td>13</td><td>2021-22</td></tr><tr><td>New Jersey Devils</td><td>13</td><td>2000-01</td></tr><tr><td>Philadelphia Flyers</td><td>13</td><td>1985-86</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>13</td><td>1970-71</td></tr><tr><td>St. Louis Blues</td><td>12</td><td>2024-25</td></tr><tr><td>Minnesota Wild</td><td>12</td><td>2016-17</td></tr><tr><td>Chicago Blackhawks</td><td>12</td><td>2015-16</td></tr><tr><td>Florida Panthers</td><td>12</td><td>2015-16</td></tr><tr><td>Boston Bruins</td><td>12</td><td>2013-14</td></tr><tr><td>Pittsburgh Penguins</td><td>12</td><td>2010-11</td></tr><tr><td>Colorado Avalanche</td><td>12</td><td>1998-99</td></tr><tr><td>Montreal Canadiens</td><td>12</td><td>1967-68</td></tr><tr><td>Winnipeg Jets</td><td>11</td><td>2024-25</td></tr><tr><td>Carolina Hurricanes</td><td>11</td><td>2022-23</td></tr><tr><td>Tampa Bay Lightning</td><td>11</td><td>2019-20</td></tr><tr><td>St. Louis Blues</td><td>11</td><td>2018-19</td></tr><tr><td>Anaheim Ducks</td><td>11</td><td>2015-16</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>(Source: NHL Records)</figcaption></figure>

Most consecutive wins in NHL: Which teams have the longest winning streaks in history?

Most consecutive wins in NHL: Which teams have the longest winning streaks in history? - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> and Carolina Panthers will face each other in a Week 18 showdown of the 2025&nbsp;<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nfl">NFL</a>&nbsp;regular season. Here’s everything you need to know, including kickoff details and streaming options for USA fans, so you don’t miss any of the action.



<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191277?irad=356362&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">[Watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers online in the USA on Fubo]</a>



With everything on the line in the final week of the NFL regular season, this matchup carries postseason stakes that will define the outcome for both franchises. The NFC South title remains unresolved, and the winner here secures a playoff berth, turning this contest into a true win-or-go-home scenario.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/carolina-panthers">Carolina Panthers</a> enter Week 18 holding a narrow edge atop the division at 8-8, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are close behind at 7-9 and control their own destiny with a victory. One game, one division crown, and one ticket to the playoffs are all on the line in a season-defining showdown.



<h2>When will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers match be played?</h2>



Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face Carolina Panthers in Week 18 of the 2025&nbsp;NFL&nbsp;regular season on&nbsp;Saturday, January 3. Kickoff is scheduled for&nbsp;4:30 PM (ET).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260103_BUS_555201_Claudin-Cherelus_ac6284d8.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555224"></figure><figcaption>Claudin Cherelus of the Carolina Panthers – Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nfl/nfl-teams-with-the-most-consecutive-losses"></div>


<h2>Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers: Time by State in the USA</h2>



ET: 4:30 PM CT: 3:30 PM MT: 2:30 PM PT: 1:30 PM



<h2>How to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers in the USA</h2>



The&nbsp;NFL&nbsp;matchup between the&nbsp;Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers will be available for live streaming on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/welcome/leagues/191277?irad=356362&amp;irmp=3119684" rel="sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a>. Fans can also catch the game on ABC and ESPN.

Where to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers in the USA: 2025 NFL Regular Season Game

Where to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers in the USA: 2025 NFL Regular Season Game - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a> will square off against NY Rangers in the&nbsp;2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> Winter Classic. Here’s everything you need to know, including the date, tip-off time, and streaming details for viewers in the United States.



The NHL Winter Classic returns with its signature outdoor spectacle, and this year’s edition features two clubs searching for momentum as the season reaches a critical stretch. The Florida Panthers enter the matchup at 21-15-3 (45 points), holding fifth place and within striking distance of the Atlantic Division-leading Red Wings.



On the other hand, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> arrive at 19-18-5 (43 points), stuck near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division and in urgent need of a turnaround. With standings pressure on both sides and the spotlight of a marquee event, this outdoor showdown has all the ingredients of a high-stakes, can’t-miss clash.



<h2>When will the Florida Panthers vs NY Rangers match be played?</h2>



Florida Panthers play against NY Rangers this&nbsp;Friday, January 2, for the 2026 NHL Winter Classic. The game is set to kick off at&nbsp;8:00 PM (ET).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555002_Igor-Shesterkin-of-the-New-York-Rangers_0c17d0ff.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555024"></figure><figcaption>Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers – Carmen Mandato/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nhl/2026-nhl-winter-classic-uniforms-what-jerseys-are-the-ny-rangers-and-panthers-wearing-today"></div>


<h2>Florida Panthers vs NY Rangers: Time by State in the USA</h2>



ET:&nbsp;8:00 PM CT:&nbsp;7:00 PM MT:&nbsp;6:00 PM PT:&nbsp;5:00 PM



<h2>How to watch Florida Panthers vs NY Rangers in the USA</h2>



Get ready for this&nbsp;2026 NHL clash between&nbsp;Florida Panthers and NY Rangers.&nbsp;Catch every thrilling moment of the action in the USA on: TNT, HBO Max, and truTV.

Where to watch Florida Panthers vs NY Rangers live in the USA: 2026 NHL Winter Classic

Where to watch Florida Panthers vs NY Rangers live in the USA: 2026 NHL Winter Classic - Bolavip US

The Winter Classic has become one of hockey’s most anticipated annual spectacles, blending tradition with the pure unpredictability of outdoor play. Since its debut in 2008, the outdoor stages have seen everything from sub-zero blasts to uncharacteristic mild spells.



Among the dozens of outdoor <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> games, a handful have flirted with warmth rather than winter’s bite. In 2020, Dallas hosted a Winter Classic under surprisingly mild skies, but it wasn’t the warmest test the league ever faced.



Looking back in the NHL’s outdoor record books, a 2016 matchup stands out: temperatures well above freezing turned a classic winter tradition into a near-springtime scene on the ice, rewriting what “winter” could mean.



<h2>The warmest NHL Winter Classic on record</h2>



While snowy New Year’s Days often define the Winter Classic’s iconic imagery, one edition stood out for a very different reason. The 2020 Winter Classic in Dallas, Texas, saw game-time temperatures hover near 55°F (13°C), unusually warm for a contest that trades its roots in frigid outdoor hockey for a spectacle in sun-splashed stadiums.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555071_Dallas-Stars_d5173cc3.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555084"></figure><figcaption>The Dallas Stars at the Cotton Bowl in 2020 (Source: Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



That Cotton Bowl showdown between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dallas-stars">Dallas Stars</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nashville-predators">Nashville Predators</a> brought a summer-like feel to a winter event. The mild air may have softened the frost on fans’ cheeks, but it didn’t cool the competitive fire on the ice, as the Stars captured a 4–2 victory in front of tens of thousands, a crowd that made it the second-most attended Winter Classic in league history.



The Dallas game’s warmth hinted at the NHL’s evolving relationship with outdoor weather, a dynamic balance between nostalgia and the realities of climate, venue and scheduling. Outdoor contests now embrace a range of conditions, from bitter cold to spring-like warmth, each leaving its own mark on the lore of hockey’s annual outdoor showcase.



<h2>The warmest NHL outdoor game ever played</h2>



Though the Winter Classic name is most often tied to January outdoor games, the broader series of NHL outdoor contests includes some even warmer days. On Feb. 27, 2016, at Coors Field in Denver, the puck dropped under skies where the thermometer read 65°F (18°C) — still the highest ambient temperature documented for an NHL outdoor game.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555071_Kyle-Quincey_fe07b153.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555092"></figure><figcaption>Kyle Quincey of the Red Wings during the 2016 Coors Light Stadium Series game (Source: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



That Stadium Series matchup between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/colorado-avalanche">Colorado Avalanche</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/detroit-red-wings">Detroit Red Wings</a> turned tradition on its head, as attendees traded bulky winter coats for lighter layers under afternoon sunshine. 



The Denver crowd, packed into the baseball park turned hockey venue, watched Detroit skate away with a 5–3 result amid conditions more reminiscent of spring training than a winter showcase.



While this wasn’t officially a Winter Classic under that specific name, its warmth still resonates when discussing the league’s experience with mild weather outdoor hockey, especially as the NHL looks ahead to even more southerly venues in future events.

What’s the warmest NHL Winter Classic ever played?

What's the warmest NHL Winter Classic ever played? - Bolavip US

Ice and palm trees rarely share the same stage, but Miami once again becomes the setting for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>’s most unconventional outdoor game. As the Panthers and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> prepare to face off, all eyes drift upward as much as toward the ice.



Weather has always been part of the Winter Classic storyline, and this edition is no different. Warm air, shifting clouds and coastal conditions add an unpredictable layer to a game built on tradition and spectacle.



With a retractable-roof venue and subtropical surroundings, the elements play a quiet but important role in shaping the day. How Miami responds sets the backdrop for a Winter Classic unlike any other in league history.



<h2>Sunshine and ice: Weather in Miami for the NHL Winter Classic</h2>



Miami’s reputation as a sun-soaked escape takes on a curious twist today as the 2026 NHL Winter Classic unfolds under skies that feel more like spring than winter. For this unique matchup between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a> and New York Rangers at loanDepot Park, the forecast blends mild temperatures and clear conditions.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555055_loanDepot-Park-1_9b264812.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555058"></figure><figcaption>General view around LoanDepot park prior to the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic (Source: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



On January 2, 2026, Miami is expected to see comfortable highs near 70–73°F (around 21–23°C) with lows dipping into the mid-50s (around 13–15°C) as the puck drops in the evening. There’s no significant rain in the forecast, creating an atmosphere that’s ideal for spectators but an unusual backdrop for an NHL outdoor contest.



This blend of warm air and chilled ice presents “a closest-to-outdoor feel” for players and fans alike, with NHL officials planning to open the stadium roof for game time. 



The subtropical setting highlights the event’s novelty: hockey under palm trees, where weather conditions are mild enough to play on real ice yet far from the winter conditions most associated with the sport.

What’s the weather in Miami today for the Panthers vs NY Rangers 2026 NHL Winter Classic?

What's the weather in Miami today for the Panthers vs NY Rangers 2026 NHL Winter Classic? - Bolavip US

The 2026 NHL Winter Classic is shaping up to be more than a hockey game. The outdoor showdown between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> blends sport, spectacle, and entertainment.



As the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> continues to expand the scope of its marquee New Year’s event, music has become a central part of the experience. From pregame festivities to in-game performances, the Winter Classic now feels closer to a full-scale event.



This year’s edition leans heavily into that approach, pairing elite hockey with well-known musical acts. With national broadcasts and a historic setting, the entertainment lineup adds another layer to an already unprecedented classic.



<h2>Role Model will headline the 2026 NHL Winter Classic</h2>



Singer-songwriter Role Model headlines the entertainment for the 2026 NHL Winter Classic, anchoring the music portion of the event throughout game day. The rising alt-pop artist is set to perform during the first intermission, giving fans inside loanDepot park a live show woven directly into the flow of the game.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555019_Role-Model_06fea9b4.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555039"></figure><figcaption>(Source: NHL)</figcaption></figure>



His presence extends beyond the ice. Earlier in the evening, he will open NHL on TNT’s on-site coverage with a performance at the official Winter Classic fan festival, held exclusively for ticket holders. The appearance ties the league’s broadcast presentation directly to the live event atmosphere in Miami.



The choice reflects the National Hockey League’s effort to connect with a younger and broader audience, blending contemporary music with one of its most tradition-driven showcases.



<h2>Luis Fonsi to open the event during the teams’ ceremonial walkout</h2>



The Winter Classic’s opening moments will feature Luis Fonsi, bringing international star power to the historic matchup. The Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist will perform during the teams’ ceremonial walk onto the field, setting the tone before puck drop.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555019_Luis-Fonsi_9295aecb.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555042"></figure><figcaption>(Source: NHL)</figcaption></figure>



Fonsi is expected to perform his global hit “Despacito”, a song that transcended language barriers and became one of the most recognizable tracks of the last decade. Its inclusion reflects Miami’s cultural identity and the league’s willingness to tailor the event to its host city.



With Role Model handling the in-game performance and Fonsi leading the opening ceremony, the 2026 Winter Classic continues the NHL’s evolution into a hybrid of sport and live entertainment—this time under palm trees instead of falling snow.

Which artists are performing at the Panthers vs NY Rangers 2026 NHL Winter Classic?

Which artists are performing at the Panthers vs NY Rangers 2026 NHL Winter Classic? - Bolavip US

Ice hockey rarely belongs under palm trees, which is exactly why the 2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> Winter Classic feels different from the start. Miami, better known for heat and color, suddenly becomes the backdrop for one of the league’s coldest traditions.



The decision wasn’t made on novelty alone. The NHL has spent years pushing beyond its traditional borders, testing how far the spectacle of outdoor hockey can travel while still honoring its roots.



Staging the Winter Classic in South Florida hints at a broader ambition—one tied to growth, visibility and redefining what a marquee hockey event can look like in a changing sports landscape.



<h2>Why the Winter Classic landed in Miami?</h2>



The NHL’s 2026 Winter Classic marks a bold departure from the usual frozen fields of northern cities. For the first time in league history, this New Year’s tradition ventures into South Florida—bringing regular-season outdoor hockey to a subtropical locale. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_555001_loanDepot-Park_642a9ebc.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-555006"></figure><figcaption>General view around LoanDepot park prior to the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic. (Source: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



The decision underlines the NHL’s intent to broaden its footprint, tapping into markets where the sport has been steadily growing, both on and off the ice. Miami’s loanDepot Park, normally home to Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins, was selected for practical reasons as much as symbolic ones. 



Its retractable roof and climate-controlled capabilities give the league greater control over ice quality, an essential factor when staging hockey in warmer weather. 


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By building and maintaining the rink with layered ice and advanced refrigeration, the NHL can deliver a high-level playing surface even in Florida’s mild January. Beyond logistics, this move reflects a larger narrative: hockey in Florida has shifted from niche to notable. 



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>’ sustained success, including deep playoff runs and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stanley-cup">Stanley Cup</a> contention, has helped fuel interest in the sport across the Sunshine State. Hosting a marquee event like the Winter Classic underscores how far the game’s local presence has come.

Why is the 2026 NHL Winter Classic in Miami?

Why is the 2026 NHL Winter Classic in Miami? - Bolavip US

The 2026 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> Winter Classic has turned Miami’s loanDepot Park into a frozen arena under palm trees, where hockey’s tradition meets subtropical spectacle. This clash between the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> and Panthers carries a buzz far beyond the scoreboard



A sold-out crowd filled the ballpark’s reconfigured bowl for this historic outdoor clash, marking Florida’s first Winter Classic in league history. Tickets vanished quickly as the NHL brought its marquee New Year’s tradition to the Sunshine State.



Fans packed into every seat ready to witness ice and heat collide, with a backdrop of Biscayne Bay and winter theatrics that defy expectation. The turnout reflects not just the popularity of the teams involved but hockey’s growing footprint in an unconventional market.



<h2>Attendance at the 2026 NHL Winter Classic</h2>



As the NHL brought its marquee New Year’s spectacle to loanDepot Park in Miami, the usual rhythm of Florida sports shifted into overdrive. The New York Rangers and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a> have sold out the event, ensuring that hundreds of fans will be in attendance.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_554936_NY-Rangers_3ad60db9.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-554956"></figure><figcaption>The New York Rangers pose for a team photo prior to the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic (Source: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



For the first outdoor hockey game ever held in the Sunshine State, the stadium’s configuration for hockey allowed for roughly 35,000-plus fans to fill the seats, a notable turnout for a regular-season clash in such an unusual setting.



The crowd figure reflects more than just a sold-out event: it’s a sign of how deeply the Winter Classic tradition has gripped fans, even outside of the sport’s cold-weather heartland. 


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Outdoor NHL contests have historically drawn large audiences, averaging over 50,000 spectators per game across the event’s history, and Miami’s iteration continues that trend of raucous engagement despite the subtropical backdrop.



In an atmosphere framed by palm trees, retractable roofs and a spectacle that blends beach-town pageantry with winter nostalgia, the attendance figures do more than populate a box score. They suggest that the draw of outdoor hockey, and the rare chance to experience it live, remain powerful.

How many fans are attending the 2026 NHL Winter Classic between NY Rangers and Panthers today?

How many fans are attending the 2026 NHL Winter Classic between NY Rangers and Panthers today? - Bolavip US

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> Winter Classic always turns a regular-season matchup into a living postcard, where ice, history and spectacle collide. In 2026, that outdoor magic returns with two franchises ready to step into the cold carrying decades of identity on their sleeves.



For the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida Panthers</a>, the spotlight isn’t only on the puck. The classic is as much about visual storytelling as it is about hockey, with uniforms designed to echo heritage, ambition and a sense of occasion.



As the teams prepare to share the same frozen stage, their jerseys hint at more than colors and crests. They frame the narrative of the day, blending nostalgia with modern edge and setting the tone before the first faceoff is even dropped.



<h2>What are the Rangers and Panthers wearing in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic?</h2>



The Panthers’ Winter Classic uniform takes a bold step into hockey’s past while anchoring itself firmly in South Florida culture. For their first-ever outdoor game, <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/winter-classic-jerseys-nostalgic-flair-for-new-york-rangers-florida-panthers">Florida leaned into a vintage aesthetic</a>, reviving the original “leaping panther” crest from their early years. 



That classic emblem is reimagined here with felt and chain stitching, giving the sweater an aged texture more in line with sweaters from the 1920s than the 1990s. The color palette—dark crimson, navy blue and yellow—blends tradition with warmth and small design touches nod to local pride and history. 



Decorative chevrons in the stitching reference South Florida’s military heritage, and tucked into the rear hem loop is a tiny silhouette of a rat, a wink to the Panthers’ quirky, decades-long rat-throwing tradition after home wins.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20260102_BUS_554890_NY-Rangers-and-Panthers_5dc038e6.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-554903"></figure><figcaption>(Source: NHL)</figcaption></figure>



The Rangers brought a different sort of history to Miami. Riding the momentum of their Centennial season, the Blueshirts’ Winter Classic jersey is essentially a cream-colored evolution of their anniversary threads. Instead of the usual bold blue, this sweater opts for a lighter base, honoring the franchise’s traditional light jersey look.



Diagonal lettering reading “New York” replaces the typical squad name seen on their Centennial jerseys, and oversized stripes on the sleeves and hem echo the design language of the Rangers’ heritage kits. 



A quirky addition—the red apple logo with “NYR” embroidered on the shoulder—pays homage to one of the team’s historic emblems originally seen tucked on the hem of earlier celebratory jerseys.



It’s a uniform that feels both familiar and festive: rooted in the franchise’s long lineage while also tailored for a marquee outdoor stage. In a matchup that pits tradition against tradition, the Rangers’ Winter Classic look becomes part of the story as much as the game itself.

2026 NHL Winter Classic uniforms: What jerseys are the NY Rangers and Panthers wearing today?

2026 NHL Winter Classic uniforms: What jerseys are the NY Rangers and Panthers wearing today? - Bolavip US

As New York City gears up for the ball to drop in Times Square, the New York Rangers turn their focus to their first challenge of the new year: the 2026 NHL Winter Classic against the Florida Panthers. On that note, the Rangers caught wind of the latest update on <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk">Matthew Tkachuk</a>.



Tkachuk finally made his long-awaited return to the ice, skating with the Panthers for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia. Though reports all season long pointed to the NHL Winter Classic on Jan. 2 as the date for Tkachuk’s first game back in the lineup, head coach Paul Maurice has now offered a very cautious statement. Mike Sullivan and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">New York Rangers</a> have surely listened carefully to it.



“As much as we like the spectacle of it and would love him to be part of it and it’d be great for the game to see him out there, the Florida Panthers need him healthy and need him for the rest of the year,” Maurice admitted, via <a href="https://www.nhl.com/panthers/news/he-s-worked-so-hard-tkachuk-returns-to-practice-in-no-contact-jersey">NHL.com</a>. “The player and the doctors will make the decision.”



Tkachuk’s last appearance in an NHL game was Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on June 17. Needless to say, his return when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Florida</a> takes on New York outdoors at loanDepot Park in Little Havana would be absolute cinema. However, as Maurice noted, the Panthers must do what’s best for them—not necessarily what’s best for the NHL and TV ratings.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251228_BUS_552904_sullivan_54e85b1c.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="Mike Sullivan" class="wp-image-531164"></figure><figcaption>New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan looks on during an NHL game.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>One less thing to worry for the Rangers</h2>



As for New York, if Tkachuk is sidelined during the Winter Classic, it would bring a big sigh of relief. Given the struggles the Rangers have had all season long in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a>, not having to worry about an energized Tkachuk wreaking havoc all over the ice in South Florida would be huge. 


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For the Panthers, on the other hand, reinserting Tkachuk into their stacked lineup would do wonders. Brad Marchand and company have held their ground during Tkachuk’s absence, but there are clear concerns about how much longer they can keep it up with injuries tearing through the locker room.



<h2>Back like Tkachuk never left</h2>



Though wearing a non-contact jersey as he joined his teammates in practice for the first time in months, Tkachuk did a great job of lifting the spirits around the room. Coming off a troubling 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, having an impossible-to-miss personality like Tkachuk’s back was huge for the Cats. 



“He hasn’t had a practice in six months, but he moved all right,” Maurice added. “Just his engagement with the players, you feel those guys are special players. Just great to see him skating. There’s a whole bunch of things he needs to get through [before he plays].”



As it stands, Tkachuk’s status for the NHL Winter Classic is still up in the air. However, if there is one thing Tkachuk is known for, it’s never mincing words. Moreover, when he wants something, he usually doesn’t stop until he achieves it. If he wants to be on the ice with his teammates on Jan. 2, not even Maurice and the team doctors may be able to turn him down. Thus, the Rangers must stay alert.


<div class="wp_fsn_poll" id="6951a5f0e2d53b59fb2f0718" data-title="Who will win the 2026 NHL Winter Classic?" data-options="2"></div>

NY Rangers hear revealing update by Panthers on Matthew Tkachuk’s status for 2026 Winter Classic

NY Rangers hear revealing update by Panthers on Matthew Tkachuk's status for 2026 Winter Classic - Bolavip US

After a chaotic production last season, Mika Zibanejad has seemingly found his mojo back in the 2025-26 NHL campaign. However, the New York Rangers have been anything but consistent under <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-sullivan">Mike Sullivan</a>’s guidance, and the Swedish forward can’t overlook the forest for the tree.



Zibanejad had some ground to cover after a shaky 2024-25 season. Needless to say, he has bounced back so far in the 2025-26 campaign, though the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/new-york-rangers">Rangers</a> have been just as abysmal—or even worse. For Zibanejad, his strong production (12 G, 17 A, 29 P) is still not enough to see the glass half full. The team comes first, and it’s no secret Sullivan’s New York has been coming in last night in and night out.



Following yet another embarrassing shutout loss to their despised enemies from Long Island, the New York Islanders, Zibanejad took to the media with a blunt statement, hoping to deliver a wake-up call for Sullivan and company in what’s been a troubling <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> season.



“It’s hard to be happy or think about your own game that much when you don’t win and you’re not in the position that you want to be in as a team,” Zibanejad admitted in dialogue with The New York Post.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251228_BUS_552712_New-York-Rangers-center-Mika-Zibanejad-93-during-the-first-period-of-play.-The-New-York-Rangers-de_0d370b8d.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) during the first period of play. The New York Rangers defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in OT." class="wp-image-272655" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Not a merry Christmas in New York City</h2>



For a town that prides itself on being at its best around the holidays, the Rangers have certainly done New York City dirty with their recent outings. Needless to say, the Broadway Blueshirts have made Santa’s naughty list this year and were treated to a blunt reminder when they woke up to find coal in their stockings.


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The Rangers’ 7–3 win over the Washington Capitals right before the Christmas break might have fooled some, but the very next outing replayed a tune fans in New York now know by heart. A 2–0 shutout loss to the Islanders means the Blueshirts are now 0–2–0 against their crosstown rivals and down by a combined score of 0–7. 



<h2>Heading south for the Winter Classic</h2>



The Rangers must turn the tide fast before the new year, as they will be heading down to South Florida, where an atypical Winter Classic showdown in Little Havana awaits against the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions, who could have Matthew Tkachuk back in the lineup. If New York touches down in Miami with its current state of mind, the humidity won’t be the only thing causing fans to sweat bullets.

Mika Zibanejad has a very clear message for Mike Sullivan and the NY Rangers

Mika Zibanejad drops blunt confession about Mike Sullivan’s NY Rangers - Bolavip US

Mika Zibanejad drops blunt confession about Mike Sullivan’s NY Rangers

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brad-marchand">Brad Marchand</a> and the Florida Panthers can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. It took a while, but the Cats are riding a big wave of momentum in the NHL. In addition to the festive vibes, head coach Paul Maurice confirmed a key teammate is set to return to the lineup, although it’s not Matthew Tkachuk.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/florida-panthers">Panthers</a> have been affected by a season-long injury bug. Watching star players go down like flies night in and night out, it was Marchand and company who kept the ship afloat. However, the 37-year-old can only take them so far in an 82-game NHL campaign. 



Though <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/matthew-tkachuk">Tkachuk</a>’s return is a little further down the road, the Cats are trending to welcome back one of the most exciting young players on the roster: Mackie Samoskevich.



“Maurice says he’s ‘hopeful’ that Samoskevich will be able to return for the game vs. Tampa after the [Christmas] break,” Panthers beat reporter Jameson Olive stated on X.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251224_BUS_550855_mackie-samoskevich_4f2e873e.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1080" alt="" class="wp-image-437901" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px"></figure><figcaption>Mackie Samoskevich after the 2025v tanley Cup conquest</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Tkachuk’s timeline</h2>



All season long, fans in Sunrise have wondered when Tkachuk was going to make his return to the ice. After undergoing surgery on a torn adductor and a sports hernia, everybody knew it would take a while for him to be back with the Panthers. Still, the prospect of playing in the southernmost Winter Classic in <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> history at loanDepot Park in Miami has been enough to fuel Tkachuk’s recovery journey. 


 

 

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The timeline for him still stands at January 2, when the Panthers take on the New York Rangers outdoors in the elements—if playing in tropical Little Havana can even be called that. Tkachuk himself has recently issued an honest statement on how he feels heading into the home stretch of his post-surgery rehabilitation.



“I (expletive) feel great, Brady [Tkachuk]. Really, really good,” Matthew Tkachuk said during the latest episode of his podcast, Wingmen with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk. “I will be back with the team practicing probably right after Christmas, if things go as they’ve been going. I’m just following the doctors and trainers orders right now.”



<h2>Panthers are back in business</h2>



In the meantime, Marchand and the Panthers will vie to keep it rolling. After struggling to be consistent all season long, Florida is now 8-2-0 in its last 10 outings. 



Heading into the holidays break, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl/nhl-teams-back-to-back-stanley-cup-wins">back-to-back Stanley Cup champions</a> are holding the last wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. Considering they are missing Tkachuk, Barkov, Kulikov, Nosek, Schwindt, and Gadjovich, things could be much worse for the Cardiac Cats.

Brad Marchand receives confirmation of Panthers star returning, but it’s not Matthew Tkachuk

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Brad Marchand receives confirmation of Panthers star returning, but it's not Matthew Tkachuk - Bolavip US

Not Tkachuk: Marchand receives confirmation of Panthers star returning

What was once believed to be a match made in heaven has turned sour. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/craig-berube">Craig Berube</a> has seemingly lost control of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ locker room during the 2025–26 NHL season, and his job may now be up in the air. 



No matter what they do, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/toronto-maple-leafs">Maple Leafs</a> can’t stop the bleeding. Mired in a three-game losing streak, Toronto is leaving no stone unturned. After firing assistant coach Marc Savard, the buzz around The Six has far from quieted down. Instead, many believe Berube or Brad Treliving—perhaps even both—could be next in line if the struggles continue.



However, according to reports from an <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nhl">NHL</a> insider the Buds have already made up their minds on what to do with Berube and Treliving.



“The Toronto Maple Leafs made a bench change Monday night — removing Marc Savard, who was in charge of the power play — and, according to multiple sources, the coaching/managerial changes stop there. GM Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube are not on the firing line,” insider Elliotte Friedman reported on Sportsnet.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1082" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20251223_BUS_550436_craig-berube_944ee11f.webp&amp;width=1920&amp;height=1082" alt="Head coach Craig Berube of the Toronto Maple Leafs" class="wp-image-530814"></figure><figcaption>Craig Berube at Sphere on June 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. </figcaption></figure>



<h2>Maple Leafs have bigger concerns</h2>



While fans in The Six have grown sick and tired of the on-ice product put on display by Berube’s Maple Leafs, the issues don’t begin and end at the head coaching job.


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Instead, there are several factors behind the Buds’ struggles. An injury-riddled season may be one of them, but it offers little excuse for such an embarrassing NHL campaign. 



Through 35 games, the Maple Leafs sit last in the Atlantic Division with 35 points. At this stage last season, Toronto had 44 points and was in second place in the division.



<h2>Matthews’ struggles</h2>



Among the main sources of headaches in Hogtown is Auston Matthews’ production. The three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has looked a gear off during the 2025–26 NHL campaign. At first, many believed it was just a slump, but its persistence may signal that something more is going on with the Leafs’ captain.



Through 30 games, Matthews has scored 14 goals. Coming off a career-low 33-goal campaign, the concern in Toronto is growing, as he is currently on pace for 38 goals this season—which would rank as the fourth-lowest total of his NHL career.


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Maple Leafs make final decision on Craig Berube and Brad Treliving’s job security after firing Marc Savard

Maple Leafs make final decision on Craig Berube and Brad Treliving’s job security after firing Marc Savard - Bolavip US

Maple Leafs make final decision on Berube and Treliving’s job after Savard firing

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