You're sitting there, remote in hand, ready to see if Connor McDavid is going to pull off another highlight-reel goal that defies the laws of physics. We've all been there. But here is the thing: if you are looking for the answer to is the Edmonton Oilers game on TV tonight, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, I have some news that might make you want to put the jersey back in the closet for a few hours.
The Edmonton Oilers are actually off tonight.
They just finished a back-to-back set on the road, including a tough battle against the Nashville Predators yesterday, January 13. When you play two games in two nights in different cities, the schedule-makers usually give the guys a breather. So, if you're scanning the guide on Sportsnet or looking for the puck drop on ESPN+, you won't find it. The ice at Rogers Place is quiet tonight, but they aren't gone for long.
When do the Oilers play next?
The wait isn't exactly a marathon. The Oilers return to action tomorrow night, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
They'll be back on home ice at Rogers Place to take on the New York Islanders. It's a 7:00 PM local start (MT), which means a 9:00 PM ET puck drop for those of you out east. These mid-week home games always have a specific kind of energy in downtown Edmonton, especially as the team pushes through the mid-season grind.
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If you’re planning ahead for that one, here’s how the TV situation looks:
- In Canada: You’ll find the game on Sportsnet West and Sportsnet One.
- In the U.S.: It’s slated for ESPN+ as part of the Power Play package, though local blackouts usually apply if you're in the New York area.
- Streaming: Sportsnet+ remains the go-to for cord-cutters in the Great White North.
Why the schedule gap matters right now
Look, a night off isn't just a night off for this roster. Leon Draisaitl and McDavid are logging massive minutes. Draisaitl has been hovering around that 22-minute mark lately, which is heavy lifting even for a guy of his stature.
Coming off that Nashville game, the medical staff is likely working overtime. We saw Roman Josi and the Preds really push the Oilers' defensive depth yesterday. Stuart Skinner has been the workhorse in net, but these gaps in the schedule are when backup Calvin Pickard gets his reps in during practice or when the coaching staff tweaks the power play units.
Honestly, the Pacific Division is a meat grinder this year. Every point matters. Taking 24 hours to recover before the Islanders come to town is probably the best thing for their legs. The Islanders are a "heavy" team—they play physical, they clog the neutral zone, and they make you earn every inch. You don't want to play them on the tail end of a three-in-four-nights stretch.
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Catching up on what you missed
Since there is no game to watch tonight, it's a perfect time to look at the stats. Connor McDavid has been on an absolute tear. He recently hit a 16-game point streak earlier this month, and he's currently leading the league in several offensive categories.
You’ve probably noticed the secondary scoring has been a bit "hit or miss." Guys like Vasily Podkolzin and Matthew Savoie are getting looks, but the heavy lifting still falls on the big guns.
If you're really craving Oilers content tonight, Oilers+ usually drops behind-the-scenes footage or practice reports on off-days. It's that subscription service they launched a while back. It won't give you a live game tonight, but it'll give you your fix of mic'd up segments and coach interviews that you don't get on the standard Sportsnet broadcast.
Is the Edmonton Oilers game on TV tonight? A quick recap
To save you the scrolling, here is the basic reality:
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- Tonight (Jan 14): No game. The team is resting.
- Tomorrow (Jan 15): vs. New York Islanders at 7:00 PM MT.
- Saturday (Jan 17): At Vancouver Canucks (this is the big one, 8:00 PM MT).
- Sunday (Jan 18): vs. St. Louis Blues at 6:00 PM MT.
Where to find the game tomorrow
When tomorrow rolls around, make sure your apps are updated. If you use a VPN to get around those pesky regional blackouts, make sure it’s toggled to a city that isn’t Edmonton or New York.
Radio listeners can always find the legendary Jack Michaels on 630 CHED. There is something about his "Down the stretch they come!" call that honestly hits better than the TV commentary sometimes.
Keep an eye on the morning skate reports tomorrow around 10:30 AM. That’s when we’ll know for sure if there are any lineup changes or if Skinner is getting the start again. For now, enjoy the night off from the stress of a close third period.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your calendar: If you keep missing games, the official Oilers website has a "Sync to Calendar" button that puts every puck drop directly into your phone with TV channel info.
- Check Sportsnet+: If you’re a subscriber, log in now to ensure your credentials haven't expired before the Islanders game starts tomorrow.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Check the morning skate updates on Thursday to see if any key players are taking a "maintenance day" before the weekend back-to-back.