The 2026 edition of the Winter Classic has a unique feel as it is being played in Miami, a non-traditional hockey market and warm climate city year round. The Panthers have earned the right to host such an event, though, after winning consecutive Stanley Cups and growing the game in south Florida. The implications of this game give it some added juice as both the Rangers and Panthers are outside the crowded and competitive Eastern Conference playoff picture. These are an important 2 points and fans will get both teams’ best efforts.
If you will be tuning in and want to have some action, here are a few betting markets that may be worth considering in the form of a Rangers vs Panthers Same Game Parlay — with lines and odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of writing. Also, be sure to check out all of our NHL predictions for every game throughout the season.
Panthers ML (-142)
Over 5.5 (-120)
Brad Marchand anytime goalscorer (+155)
Rangers vs Panthers Same Game Parlay odds: +425
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Florida Panthers ML over New York Rangers (-142)
The Panthers have begun to heat up at the right time. They were just treading water for most of the first half of the season. But Florida now enters this game having gone 6-2-1 in their last 9 as part of 9 wins in their last 13. They will also bring a little extra jam in this game from the adrenaline of playing at home in prime time on national TV in the Winter Classic.
The Rangers are limping into this one a little bit. They are winless in their last 3 games and have dropped 6 out of their last 9. During their current 3-game skid, the Rangers have been outscored a combined 11-5 to the Islanders, Hurricanes, and Capitals. Granted, those are all very good teams. But so are the Panthers. New York’s NHL 31st ranked goals scored per game add another headwind in trying to bounce back here against another great team who has beat the Rangers in 5 out of the last 6 played head to head. This one plain sets up well for the Panthers.
Over 5.5 (-115)
The over has been rolling in Panthers games of late. The total has gone over in 5 out of their last 6 games, as well as in 4 out of their last 5 games played at home. Granted, this game will not be played at their home arena. But for all intents and purposes, the Panthers are the home team playing in front of their home crowd and will want to put on a show. That bodes well for another over.Â
The other aspect that gives appeal to the over 5.5 is that both teams have been a bit volatile lately on both sides of the puck. While they have scored 5 goals in 2 out of their last 4 games, the Panthers have also allowed 4+ goals in 2 out of their last 5. The Rangers just gave up 6 goals to the Capitals on Wednesday, just a week after scoring 7 against the Capitals. The excitement of the novel game, recent totals trends, and a bit of volatility look good for the over.
Brad Marchand anytime goalscorer (+155)
What a revelation Brad Marchand has been for this Panthers team. He was a key reason Florida won the Stanley Cup last year, and has been a key reason they are right back in the thick of things this season. In 38 games played this season, Marchand leads the Panthers in both goals with 22, and points with 45. The production, along with his important 18:45 of average ice time per game, have been vital for this Panthers team that has been ravaged by injuries this year.
To no surprise, Marchand is on an important line with fellow star players Sam Bennett, the reigning Conn Smythe winner, and Carter Verhaeghe, now a 3-time Stanley Cup winner. Marchand is also on the team’s top power play which includes Bennett and 50-goal scorer Sam Reinhart. This team is clicking at the right time, and Marchand is a big reason. He plays with productive players in high-leverage minutes, has played in Winter Classics before, and knows exactly what to do to propel his team in a big game. Look for Marchand to make a mark on this one.
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