The Rangers, Islanders, Devils and Flyers produced exciting moments at the NHL Stadium Series. But the hockey world can't get enough of what happened right next to the games.

Sometimes, the NHL outdoor games can feel like we've been there and done that. That was certainly not the case at the NHL Stadium Series games at MetLife Stadium over the weekend.

The games themselves were exciting and action-packed, and there’s lots to talk about in that regard below. But the true hallmark moment had nothing to do with the games themselves.

In a weekend-long sequence that was the perfect combination of outright bizarre, fun and downright hilarious, the NHL had a continuous improv skit of a day at the park taking place at TV timeouts right next to the ice. The league called it the “NHL Stadium Series Park,” which also had NHL Street rinks where kids played ball hockey.

Throughout Saturday and Sunday’s games, the NHL had people acting out a day at the park on a massive patch of grass — filled with plants, walking paths, park benches and picnic tables — stretched across the perimeter of the arena. 

This park had everything. Joggers ran back and forth. There was a group spinning hula hoops without a care in the world. Some folks kept jogging and jogging with their dog all around the rink while a woman pushed a stroller with a fake baby in it.

It doesn't stop there – people rode their bikes, and a hot dog vendor watched on as mascot NJ Devil ran around with the clothes of Flyers mascot Gritty, who chased him with just shoes and a helmet on. 

It was ridiculous but, in a way, perfect at the same time. It even drew a comparison to the 1998 film, The Truman Show.

“If you talk to anybody who grew up in New Jersey, they’ll tell you the town they grew up in and the park they spent their childhood at,” NHL chief content officer Steve Mayer told NHL.com about the park landscape and setup in the leadup to the weekend.

The NHL Stadium Series Park was the tip of the iceberg on a weekend that featured some amazing moments that checked every box you’d want in an event like this: 

The Walk-Up Outfits

Each of the four teams arrived decked out in apparel that was true to their market or organization identity.

On Saturday, the Philadelphia Flyers showed up dressed like Philly’s pride and joy, Rocky Balboa. Each player ran off the bus looking en route to a fight, wearing matching grey sweatsuits and medical tape wrapping their hands. 

On Sunday, the New York Rangers had a heartfelt theme arriving to the game as they paid tribute to the New York Police Department. The Rangers players walked in donning NYPD hockey jerseys, with members of the force accompanying them.

Whether intentional or not, the Islanders stuck to tradition and arrived at the game just as GM Lou Lamoriello must have liked it – clean-shaven and in a suit. However, they also arrived on fire trucks and honored the New York City Fire Department.

The Devils Pull Off 'The Sopranos' Theme 

Back to Saturday's game, the Devils set a theme for the day that stuck not only in their walk up to the stadium but also on the ice, paying tribute to the Italian American community.

The players dressed up in honor of a famous TV program based in New Jersey, The Sopranos. Tony Soprano would be truly honored with how on-point these fits were. Timo Meier was even carrying an espresso as he strutted through.

Nathan Bastian took it a step further on the ice after scoring the eventual game-winning goal in the final minutes of the second period, making it 4-1 Devils. The forward pulled off the celebration made popular by NFL New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito.

Matt Rempe Makes His NHL Debut With a Bang

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe had one of the most unique NHL debuts you’ll ever see.

For starters, Rempe, a 6-foot-8 forward, got to do his rookie lap in front of 70,000 fans at MetLife Stadium. Secondly, he dropped the gloves with Isles heavyweight Matt Martin less than two minutes into the game. Rempe held his own in the battle.

Rempe also revealed post-game that in addition to congratulating him on his first game and fight, Martin told Rempe how he had fought Zdeno Chara before, and he thinks Rempe has a longer reach than him.

New York Rangers' Comeback Win

Fans attending the Rangers-Islanders game certainly got their money's worth.

After the Islanders took a 4-1 lead early into the second period, the Rangers responded with a comeback for the ages. The Blueshirts cut the Isles' lead to one — thanks to two goals from Vincent Trocheck — heading into the third period. Alexander Romanov gave the Isles more breathing room when he scored two minutes into the third, but the Rangers would respond.

Chris Kreider scored on the power play with under five minutes left, making it 5-4. Then, with 1:29 left in regulation, Mika Zibanejad scored to tie the game up and eventually send it to OT.

Not long into overtime, Artemi Panarin became the hero — scoring a goal that was as bizarre as the "park" that surrounded them.

The NHL's outdoor games for next season include the Winter Classic at Wrigley Park between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues and the Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings. We can't wait for what's in store.