NHL Shifts Focus to MetLife Stadium for Outdoor Games

Adam Fox, the hometown talent from Long Island, is eagerly anticipating his role in the upcoming New York-New York rivalry showdown set to unfold in New Jersey.

As the New York Rangers gear up to face off against the New York Islanders at MetLife Stadium in an outdoor game this Sunday, defenseman Adam Fox, hailing from Jericho, N.Y., expresses his excitement, calling it “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The weekend’s doubleheader kicked off on Saturday night with the New Jersey Devils securing a victory over the Philadelphia Flyers with an impressive performance before a crowd of 70,328. Key players like Nico Hischier and Nathan Bastian delivered standout performances, propelling the Devils to a commanding win.

Reflecting on the historical context, a decade ago, Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees played host to the NHL’s three New York/New Jersey teams—Rangers, Islanders, and Devils—in a memorable pair of outdoor games at Yankee Stadium as part of the NHL’s Stadium Series. Now, the torch has been passed to the New York Giants, New York Jets, and the state of New Jersey, who are set to host the NHL teams at MetLife Stadium.

For Rangers coach Peter Laviolette, this marks his inaugural participation in the renowned Rangers-Islanders rivalry, dating back to the Islanders’ entry into the NHL in 1972. With the Islanders as their formidable opponents, Laviolette acknowledges the significance of the matchup, emphasizing the rich history between the two teams.

The Rangers enter the game riding a wave of momentum, boasting an impressive 5-0 record since the All-Star break. Their recent victory over the Montreal Canadiens showcased the skill of veteran player Chris Kreider, who netted a hat trick, solidifying his pivotal role in the team’s success.

As the NHL gears up for its 40th and 41st outdoor games since the inception of the Winter Classic in 2008, MetLife Stadium is poised to host the highly anticipated showdowns, offering fans a unique celebration of outdoor hockey. With the stage set for an unforgettable weekend, Adam Fox encapsulates the collective sentiment, stating, “We’re all excited and ready to keep rolling.