The New York Rangers have become synonymous with outdoor hockey. That's probably because in every outdoor game they played in, they've won.
Given how this season has gone for the Rangers, it felt like the undefeated streak in outdoor games would reach its end at the hands of the Florida Panthers in the 2026 Winter Classic. Yet, the Rangers proved once again that if the roof is open, they will always show up.
On Friday, the Rangers defeated the Panthers 5-1 at Loan Depot Park in Miami to extend their outdoor undefeated record to 6-0-0. Mika Zibanejad made history, becoming the first player in history to record a hat trick in a Winter Classic game.
During the Rangers' scoring onslaught, social media user Jeff Levi filmed the celebrating of Rangers fans. The camera panned over to spot legendary Rangers announcer Sam Rosen, who was attending the game. Rosen then bellowed his signature call from when he used to man the Rangers' broadcast booth, "It's a power play goal!"
Sam Rosen saying it’s a PPG! #NYR #WinterClassic pic.twitter.com/v9GFYLUUT8
— Jeff Levi (@levi1994) January 3, 2026
Sam Rosen gives impromptu signature call during Rangers' Winter Classic win
How could you not love this as a Rangers fan? Imagine celebrating a Rangers' goal in a huge outdoor spectacle, then turn around to see the Rangers' longtime broadcast commentator make his signature call among a group of fans? Talk about an incredible moment.
Rosen retired at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season after 40 years on the call at MSG Network. Fans hoped that the Rangers would finally win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1994 before Rosen's retirement. Unfortunately, the Rangers missed out on playoff contention in what was a brutal season. After Rosen's retirement, he was succeeded by Kenny Albert.
In the 60 minutes of game time, the Rangers had three power play opportunities, and scored on two of them. Their first power play opportunity saw the Rangers go up 1-0 after Zibanejad secured his first goal on a pass from Alexis Lafreniere. New York's second power play goal arrived in the third period, with Artemi Panarin unleashing a wicked wrist shot that went past Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to put the Rangers up 4-1.
The Rangers win on Friday was much-needed, as they brought an end to a three-game losing streak. Considering the entirety of the Eastern Conference is in the playoff picture, the Rangers couldn't afford to be the lone team falling well out of contention. Maybe the Winter Classic vibes and success could carry over for the rest of the season.
In case you figured the Rangers' win over the Panthers outdoors couldn't be any more special, we present you Rosen making an impromptu goal call among a group of fans.