How to watch NHL Winter Classic 2026: live stream New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers, TV channels, preview
SOURCE:TechRadar|BY: Adam Marshall
Here's how to watch Rangers vs Panthers live streams online in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic, as the traditional New Year's game heads to Florida for the first time.
(Image credit: Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)
New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers: Friday, January 2 at 8pm ET / 5pm ET / 1am GMT (Sat)
Watch Winter Classic 2026 on TNT/TruTV viaDIRECTV(US)
The 2026 NHL Winter Classic live stream will see the 2025/26 NHL season skate down to the glorious climes of Florida for this annual New Year spectacle on the ice.
No, your eyes aren't deceiving you – that is an ice rink exposed to the Miami heat, as an NHL game is played outdoors in the Sunshine State for the very first time. It seems fitting that one of the regular season's landmark games should be played in the back yard of the Panthers after their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories.
Without talismanic captain Sasha Barkov, though, the Panthers have been a beast with less bite this season. They'll need veteran left winger left winger Brad Marchand to keep scoring the goals as they try to find a route back to the playoffs – a prospect looking likely to be beyond the New York Rangers. Mike Sullivan's men go into this one with a 19–16–4 record, hoping to find the salvation of a wildcard spot in the East.
With musical performances from Role Model and Luis Fonsi supplementing the hockey, read on for our guide on where to watch Rangers vs Florida live streams in the 2026 NHL Winter Classic online, on TV and wherever you are.
Can I stream the NHL Winter Classic 2026 for free?
Yes! Australian residents are in luck as 9Now are streaming all the action for free.
Outside Oz right now? Use to unlock your free stream — more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch any NHL Winter Classic 2026 stream
How to watch NHL Winter Classic 2026 live streams in the US
The NHL Winter Classic 2026 is being shown on cable channels TNT and TruTV in the US.
Don't worry if you've cut the cord, though – you can still watch Rangers vs Panthers live streams thanks to an OTT provider like DIRECTV.
DIRECTV has a selection of plans, including its dedicated MySports packages that carries TNT among its line-up of premium sports channels.
The game will also be streamed by HBO Max, which is available from $9.99 per month.
Outside the US for the NHL Classic? Use NordVPN to tap into your usual coverage.
How to watch NHL Winter Classic 2026 live streams in Canada
Sportsnetis showing the NHL Winter Classic 2026 game in Canada.
You can also access Rangers vs Panthers live streams online via a Sportsnet Plus subscription, which starts at $249.99 per year or $29.99 per month.
If you're unable to watch the Winter Classic due to geo-blocking restrictions, remember that a VPN is all you need to tune back in to your NHL coverage wherever you are.
How to watch NHL Winter Classic 2026 live streams in the UK
The NHL Winter Classic 2026 is being shown on bothNHL.TV on DAZNand Premier Sports 2 in the UK.
The most comprehensive NHL coverage in the UK comes courtesy of NHL.TV on DAZN, which will show every minute of every regular season, playoff and Stanley Cup game. You can currently pay from £19.99 per month or get a full season pass for £59.99.
The Premier Sports streaming platform costs £16.99 on a rolling monthly basis or, to save money, you can commit to a year for £11.99 per month or one upfront payment of £120.
Outside the UK right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred coverage of the Winter Classic.
How to watch NHL Winter Classic 2026 live streams in Australia
In Australia, the NHL Winter Classic 2026 is being televised on ESPN viaFoxtel, with live streaming available viaKayo SportsandDisney Plus.
Kayo Sports starts at AU$30 per month after a 7-day free trial. Or you can get your first month for AU$1.
Disney Plus costs from $15.99 a month or $159.99 for a whole year of everything offered by the House of Mouse.
If you're currently out of Australia but want to watch a NHL Winter Classic 2026 live stream, you'll need to get yourself a VPN, as per the instructions above.
When does NHL Winter Classic 2026 kick off?
The NHL Winter Classic 2026 game between the New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers kicks off at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on Friday, January 2.
That's 1am GMT / 12pm AEDT on Saturday, January 3 in the UK and Australia.
Can I watch NHL Winter Classic 2026 on my mobile?
Yes. Most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or via your phone's browser – DIRECTV, Sportsnet Plus, Kayo and Disney Plus all have mobile apps.
You can also stay up-to-date with the latest NHL news and plays on the official social media channels on X (@NHL), Instagram (@nhl), Facebook (NHL) TikTok (@nhl) and YouTube (@NHL).
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Adam was formerly the Content Director of Subscriptions and Services at Future, meaning that he oversaw many of the articles TechRadar produces about antivirus software, VPN, TV streaming, broadband and mobile phone contracts - from buying guides and deals news, to industry interest pieces and reviews. Adam has now dusted off his keyboard to write articles for the likes of TechRadar, T3 and Tom's Guide.
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