Honestly, if you woke up today wondering, "is there any hockey games today," you’ve basically hit the jackpot. Saturdays in January are usually the peak of the hockey calendar, but today—Saturday, January 17, 2026—is a monster. We aren't just talking about a couple of random NHL matchups. It’s actually Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, which means the schedule is basically a 12.5-hour marathon of frozen madness.
Whether you're looking for the big NHL stars, the rising talent in the AHL, or some high-stakes college puck, the board is loaded. You’ve got double-digit NHL games starting from lunchtime and running well past midnight.
The NHL Schedule: A Coast-to-Coast Buffet
The NHL isn't messing around today. We’ve got 13 games on the docket.
It all starts early. If you’re a fan of those matinee vibes, the Minnesota Wild visit the Buffalo Sabres at 12:30 PM EST. Right after that, the New York Rangers take on the Philadelphia Flyers at 1:00 PM EST. This isn't just a rivalry game; it’s one of those "measuring stick" matches that usually ends with someone getting shoved into the bench.
The All-Canadian Matchups
Since it’s Hockey Day in Canada, the north is the center of the universe. Sportsnet is running the show from Moncton, New Brunswick, and they’ve scheduled three massive all-Canadian tilts:
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- Montreal Canadiens vs. Ottawa Senators (7:00 PM EST): The classic Atlantic Division brawl.
- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Winnipeg Jets (7:00 PM EST): Usually a high-scoring affair that keeps the goal judges busy.
- Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks (10:00 PM EST): Connor McDavid is currently on a 12-game road point streak. Watching him against Quinn Hughes is basically like watching a real-life video game.
Other Notable NHL Games Today
If you're not into the Canadian festivities, there’s plenty of American-market action. The Florida Panthers visit the Washington Capitals at 7:00 PM EST, which is actually the Capitals’ Pride Night. Expect a big atmosphere there. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth (Salt Lake’s newest obsession) are hosting the Seattle Kraken at 5:00 PM EST.
Down south, the Nashville Predators are at the Vegas Golden Knights late tonight (10:00 PM EST). If you’ve never seen a game at T-Mobile Arena, the pre-game show alone is worth the price of admission.
Don't Sleep on the PWHL and AHL
While the NHL gets the headlines, some of the best value for your eyeballs happens elsewhere.
The PWHL is currently on their "Takeover Tour." While there isn't a league game today, both the Montreal Victoire and the New York Sirens are holding open practices and autograph sessions at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex in D.C. It’s a cool chance to see stars like Marie-Philip Poulin up close before their big game tomorrow.
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Down in the "A," the AHL has a full Saturday slate. The Hershey Bears are taking on the Charlotte Checkers at 4:00 PM EST. If you want to see the next generation of NHLers before they’re famous, this is where you go. The Toronto Marlies are also facing the Iowa Wild at 7:00 PM EST. AHL hockey is often faster and "chippier" than the NHL because everyone is playing for a promotion.
College Hockey: The NCAA Heavyweights
For the campus crowd, tonight is essentially a holiday.
We’ve got a massive Big Ten showdown: Michigan at Minnesota (6:00 PM CT). These two programs basically manufacture NHL first-round picks. Over in Grand Forks, #5 North Dakota is hosting the University of Denver. That game starts at 5:00 PM MT and will probably be the loudest building in the country tonight.
Even at the DIII level, teams like Adrian College are in action, looking to complete series sweeps. Basically, if there's a sheet of ice in North America right now, someone is probably skating on it.
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How to Watch and What to Look For
Sorting out "is there any hockey games today" is only half the battle; you actually have to find them on your TV.
For the Canadian games, it’s all on Sportsnet or CBC. In the States, look at your regional sports networks like MSG, FDSN (Bally's successor), and NESN.
Keep an eye on the injury reports. Several teams are rotating goalies because they played last night. A "backup vs. backup" matchup usually means the "Over" on the betting line is a safe bet, though honestly, anything can happen when these teams have been on the road for a week.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check Local Listings: NHL.com or the ESPN app is your best bet for real-time score updates and specific channel assignments based on your zip code.
- Set Your Fantasy Lineups: With 13 NHL games, almost every fantasy-relevant player is in action today. Don't leave points on the bench.
- Watch the Olympic Tracker: Since the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are coming up, pay attention to the guys named to the provisional rosters. Today's games are high-stakes evaluations for those national team coaches.
- Grab a Ticket: If you’re near Buffalo, Philly, Calgary, or Pittsburgh, there are still some resale tickets floating around for the afternoon games. Nothing beats the smell of the rink in person.
Whether you're a die-hard or just a casual fan looking for something to watch while you fold laundry, today's hockey schedule is as deep as it gets. Pick a game, grab a drink, and enjoy the chaos.