We’ll get one more NHL best bet in before the final week of the NFL season kicks off on Saturday. There are only four games tomorrow in the NHL, but one of them is the annual Winter Classic, which finds a first-time home this year. For my best bet for Friday, January 2nd: NHL Winter Classic Predictions, we’re headed to loanDepot park in Miami, Florida. Let’s get this money!
Best Bet For Friday (January 2nd): NHL Predictions
New York Rangers vs Florida Panthers
Start Time: 8:00 PM EST
Outdoor hockey in Miami, Florida – what could possibly go wrong?! The NHL has tested things out, however, and has assured everyone that the temperature at rinkside during the game will be the same as in a typical indoor NHL game.
Despite not playing up to their lofty standards as the defending back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions, the Florida Panthers are the superior team in tomorrow’s matchup against the visiting New York Rangers. Wracked by key injuries this season, the Panthers are getting by with a slightly above-average offense and a slightly below-average defense.
The Rangers, meanwhile, have one of the worst offenses in the NHL and have lost three straight games and four of their last five.
The Florida Panthers should send the crowd home happy tomorrow night in Miami.
Best Bet: Florida ML (-138)
Best Bet Overall Record: 323-317 (50%)
Profit (based on $100/bet): -($4,054.34)
Return on Investment: -6%
SGPN Daily Content for January 2nd, 2026
Daily College Basketball Best Bets
College Football Bowls Best Bets
Don’t Forget About our Free Picks Pages Too!
COLLEGE BASKETBALL PICKS – THE PICKS POWERHOUSE
SOCCER PICKS – KICK IT ON THE PITCH
NASCAR PICKS – FEEL THE THUNDER
UFC PICKS – TAKE DOWN CORPORATE GAMBLING











