According to David Dwork, the Panthers are hosting the 2026 Winter Classic at Loan Depot Park in Miami. However, he also stated that the opponent would be the New York Rangers. While they have started rivalries with teams such as the Boston Bruins in recent years, the showcase of the Battle of Florida with the Tampa Bay Lightning not being the Classic in mind is borderline criminal.
Both Teams Have Been Involved in the Stanley Cup Final for the Past Five Seasons
If the Winter Classic was played between these two teams, it would’ve been a powerhouse showcase. In the past five seasons, the Lightning and the Panthers have represented the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Lightning made it to the final dance three straight years in 2020, 2021, and 2022 while going back-to-back in 2020 and 2021. The Panthers have made it the last two years and won their first ever this past June. As a result, they have a chance to replicate the Lightning and go back-to-back. Regardless, Commissioner Gary Bettman is making a mistake in not highlighting the two Florida teams for this event.
The Rivalry Has Heated Up Significantly in Years Past
Over the last few seasons, the Panthers and Lightning have met in the playoffs in three different playoff series. Every single one of those series’ has taken a toll on players physically and emotionally.
