A history of the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic

There are few events on the NHL calendar more special than the Winter Classic. Every year, around the first of January, the hockey world turns its attention to the chosen outdoor venue that's hosting the event. It's a reminder of hockey in its purest form, when it's played outdoors on a frozen pond. It's an event that the New York Rangers have taken part in twice during their history.

Thankfully for New York Rangers fans, they have won both Winter Classics in which they've taken part. They're one of only three teams to be undefeated in the Winter Classic with multiple appearances. The Rangers are also set to add another chapter this year as they'll take on the Florida Panthers at LoanDepot Park in Miami. But before the Rangers take the ice in Miami, let's take a look back at the Rangers' previous two appearances.

January 2nd, 2012: Rangers 3, Flyers 2

The first time the Rangers played in the Winter Classic was back in 2012, when they took on the Flyers at Citizens Bank Park. However, Citizens Bank Park was not where this game was supposed to take place. When the NHL announced this game, the preferred to have it be played at Lincoln Financial Field. However, the Eagles had a home game the week of, and the NHL wouldn't have time to get the stadium prepared. Thus, the game ended up across the street to The Bank.

After a sun delay pushed the start time back two hours, the Rangers came out sluggish. After a scoreless first period, the Flyers jumped out to a 2-0 lead with six minutes remaining in the second. However, Michael Rupp flipped the momentum in the Rangers' favor, scoring goals at the end of the second and beginning of the third to even the score. Then, at the 5:21 mark of the third, Brad Richards flipped a rebound past Sergei Bobrovsky to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead.

However, Richards' goal is overshadowed by the heroics of Henrik Lundqvist. With 19 seconds remaining, Ryan McDonagh was called for covering the puck in the crease, giving the Flyers a penalty shot. Daniel Briere tried to sneak the puck through Lundqvist's five-hole; however, King Henrik blocked the shot, helping the Rangers hold on for the win.

January 1st, 2018: Rangers 3, Sabres 2 OT

The Rangers' second appearance in the Winter Classic took place a little closer to home, with the game being played at Citi Field. While the Rangers were the "host" of the event, they were listed as the away team due to tax reasons. As part of the Rangers' tax exemption status, one of the rules was that the Rangers must play all home games at Madison Square Garden. Thus, the Buffalo Sabres were the home team despite playing their home games six and a half hours away.

Despite temperatures being below freezing, the Rangers came out hot. Paul Carey and Michael Grabner both got the puck past Sabres netminder Robin Lehner to give the Rangers a two-to-nothing lead after one period. But Buffalo didn't go down without a fight, with Sam Reinhart putting them on the board in the second, and Rasmus Ristolainen tied it less than a minute into the third period. Regulation was not enough time to settle the stalemate, sending the game to overtime.

At 2:15 of overtime, Jacob Josefon was called for a tripping penalty, giving the Rangers the man advantage. They capitalized just 28 seconds later when JT Miller backhanded a rebound from Kevin Shattenkirk into the back of the net, clinching the victory for the Rangers. Some of the Rangers' best moments over the last 15 years have come during the Winter Classic. Hopefully, the Blueshirts can add another special moment during the 2026 Classic.