NHL roundup: Rangers' Mika Zibanejad scores first-ever Winter Classic hat trick

Rangers' Mika Zibanejad celebrates after scoring during 2026 Winter Classic
Rangers' Mika Zibanejad celebrates after scoring during 2026 Winter ClassicCarmen Mandato/Getty Images

New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad made NHL history on Friday during the team's 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers after becoming the first-ever player to score a hat trick during the Winter Classic!

Rangers 5-1 Panthers

Mika Zibanejad was not only the first player to ever score a hat trick at the Winter Classic, but he's also the first-ever player to record five points (three goals, two assists) at the iconic event as well. 

He is the first Swedish hockey player to ever win the Winter Classic MVP (Coco Cup Trophy).

The Rangers moved to 6-0 in outdoor games and made it their 15th road win of the season - the most in the NHL. 

New York's Artemi Panarin (16) scored the 

Florida fell to 21-16-3, while the Rangers improved to 20-18-5, ending their three-game skid.

Blues 4-3 Golden Knights

After going down 3-1 in the second period, Vegas bounced back with a pair of goals from Mark Stone (11) and Pavel Dorofeyev (16).

However, with under two minutes left in the game, Brayden Schenn (9) would send one home for St. Louis that would go on to be the game-winner. 

The Blues improved to 16-18-8, while the Knights dropped their third straight as they fell to 17-11-11.

Ongoing

Minnesota Wild vs. Anaheim Ducks

Vancouver Canucks vs. Seattle Kraken