It’s not remotely close to being like that anymore.

The Florida Panthers had a memorable experience at the Winter Classic, despite experiencing a bad loss to the New York Rangers.

Playing under a picture-clear Miami skyline at a brisk 63 degrees at puck drop, in front of a sold-out baseball stadium with 36,153 fans (with what seemed like a 70-30 Panthers split), provided a snapshot of hockey’s growth in the Sunshine State.

The game was the first played outdoors in Florida. Fans arrived at the home of the Marlins with the roof and windows closed, but they were soon opened.