Matthew Tkachuk practices with Panthers in Winter Classic jersey

The rink inside loanDepot park is almost ready, and the vibe feels half beach, half snow globe. That contrast has fans split, even before the puck drops Friday night.

The NHL is leaning into the snow and sand theme with palm trees, flamingos, and even a street hockey rink in the rendering. It's clever, and it's also why fans are rolling their eyes.

Florida is already navigating life without captain Aleksander Barkov, out long term after knee surgery, so any Tkachuk delay stings more. You don't replace two-way centers and chaos wingers overnight.

Armando Velez noted Thursday that Florida's practice jerseys flipped to the Winter Classic set, but Tkachuk stayed in the yellow non contact sweater. That lines up with Paul Maurice saying a Friday return is unlikely.

He's 28 and hasn't played this season since Aug. 22 surgery for a torn adductor and sports hernia. Even so, he had 57 points in 52 games last season.

When the games tightened in spring, Tkachuk tied for Florida's playoff lead with 23 points in 23 games, driving net front chaos and slot passes. That's the exact spice an outdoor showcase is built for.

Panthers fans want the postcard win, but they also want Tkachuk back the right way. Maurice said the decision belongs to doctors and the player, not the calendar.

If Tkachuk sits, the offense leans on Sam Reinhart's finishing and Brad Marchand's edge. Marchand leads Florida with 23 goals and 45 points in 38 games.

Florida can survive a thinner top six if its forecheck stays connected and its exits are clean, especially with ballpark sightlines exposing sloppy changes. The Rangers will try to turn that open ice into rush looks, so gaps and quick sticks matter.

His eight year, $76 million deal carries a $9.5 million cap hit, and he went sixth overall in 2016 for a reason. Whether he plays or watches Friday, the goal stays simple, get him back at full tilt.