In 2026, the NHL will host its first outdoor games in Florida, featuring the Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers in Miami, and the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins in Tampa. The league acknowledges the challenges posed by warm temperatures impacting ice conditions but is committed to this historic event as part of hockey's expansion in the Sunshine State. Both games aim to showcase the growing popularity of hockey in Florida, which has seen a substantial increase in youth participation and fan engagement in recent years.