New York hockey is basically a soap opera with skates on. If you’ve been following the New York hockey NHL scene lately, you know it’s not just about the goals or the occasional line brawl. It's the drama. Right now, in January 2026, the vibe across the state is... weird. You have the Islanders defying every "boring hockey" cliché under Patrick Roy, the Sabres actually looking like a professional team again, and the Rangers? Well, the Rangers are currently a five-alarm fire at Madison Square Garden.
Honestly, it's a lot to keep track of. One day you're checking the Metropolitan Division standings and the next you're reading rumors that the Breadman might be packing his bags.
The Rangers are in a tailspin and nobody's safe
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. The New York Rangers are currently sitting 8th in the Metro. That’s last, if you’re counting. This wasn't the plan. When Mike Sullivan took over as head coach, the idea was to tighten up the defense and let the stars shine. Instead, the team just gave up 10 goals to Boston. Ten. At one point, the fans at the Garden were so quiet you could hear the skates cutting the ice from the 400 level.
The big story right now? Artemi Panarin. On January 16, 2026, Chris Drury—the GM who's probably not sleeping much these days—sent out a message to the fans that basically sounded like a "we're open for business" sign. The rumors are flying that Panarin, despite his 51 points this season, might be traded. Teams like Vegas and Washington are already poking around. It’s wild to think about, but when you're 20-22-6 and your $11.5 million goalie, Igor Shesterkin, is on IR with a lower-body injury, desperate times call for desperate measures.
And it’s not just the losing. It’s the injuries.
🔗 Read more: NFL Week 5 2025 Point Spreads: What Most People Get Wrong
- Adam Fox is out.
- Igor Shesterkin is on the shelf.
- Adam Edstrom is sidelined.
It feels like the roster is held together by athletic tape and prayers right now. J.T. Miller is wearing the "C," and he’s doing his best with 26 points, but this team looks broken. They’ve lost five in a row. If they don't turn it around by the March 6 trade deadline, the "Blueshirt" roster you see today might be unrecognizable by April.
The Islanders are actually... fun?
Meanwhile, over at UBS Arena, things are surprisingly upbeat. Usually, "Islanders hockey" is a synonym for "nap time," but Patrick Roy has these guys playing with some serious teeth. They are 26-16-5 and holding onto 2nd in the Metropolitan Division. They just shut out Edmonton 1-0. It was vintage Roy—gritty, disciplined, and slightly chaotic in the best way.
Ilya Sorokin is the big reason why. He’s putting up a .907 save percentage and has seven shutouts. Seven! In a league where scoring is up, that’s just stupidly good. But they aren't just sitting back. Players like Simon Holmstrom and Emil Heineman are actually providing secondary scoring that the Isles have lacked for years.
- Bo Horvat has 21 goals.
- Mathew Barzal is dishing out assists like he’s at a Thanksgiving dinner.
- Tony DeAngelo has somehow found a home on the blue line with 19 points.
The big worry for Isles fans? The defense is getting thin. Alexander Romanov is out for the season, and while Matthew Schaefer has been a revelation for a kid born in 2007, they need another veteran body. Don't be surprised if they're the ones calling the Rangers to see who's available.
💡 You might also like: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
Buffalo Sabres: The playoff drought finally feels like a memory
If you haven't looked at the Atlantic Division lately, the Buffalo Sabres are in 4th. Yeah, you read that right. Lindy Ruff back behind the bench has brought that old-school Buffalo energy back to the KeyBank Center. They have 56 points and are actually scoring goals—150 so far, which is 13th in the league.
Tage Thompson is still a cheat code. He’s got that reach that makes defenders look like they're playing in slow motion. But the real story is the youth. Zach Benson and Josh Doan (yes, Shane’s kid) are playing like veterans. Doan already has 15 goals.
The injury bug is biting them too, though. Josh Norris—who they traded for last year—is day-to-day with ribs, and Jiri Kulich is out with a scary blood clot issue. But unlike previous years, Buffalo isn't folding. They beat Montreal 5-3 the other night, and the arena actually sounded like a playoff atmosphere. It’s been a long time coming for those fans.
Why the 2026 NHL All-Star Game matters
One thing most people are overlooking is that the All-Star Game is at UBS Arena this year. It’s being used as a massive send-off for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. This means the hype around New York hockey NHL teams is going to be at an all-time high in February. Every scout in the world will be on Long Island. It’s basically the "pre-game" for the trade deadline.
📖 Related: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
What you should actually do with this information
If you’re a fan or a bettor looking at these teams, here’s the reality. The Rangers are a "sell" right now. Until Shesterkin comes back and they figure out if they're keeping Panarin, they are a mess. On the flip side, the Islanders are the safest bet in the state because of Sorokin.
If you're planning to catch a game, the Sabres are the best value for your money. KeyBank Center tickets are still cheaper than the Garden, and honestly, the hockey is better right now. Plus, the "Uber Zone" on Scott Street makes getting out of there way easier than fighting through Midtown Manhattan.
Practical Next Steps:
- Track the Injury Reports: Specifically for Shesterkin and Fox. If they aren't back by early February, the Rangers' season is officially cooked.
- Watch the Islanders' Trade Moves: They need a defenseman. If they land a veteran before the Olympic break, they are legitimate Cup contenders.
- Keep an eye on the Atlantic Standings: Buffalo is in a dogfight with Boston and Detroit. Every game in the next three weeks is basically a playoff game for them.
Don't get distracted by the big names. In New York hockey, the momentum shifts faster than a puck on fresh ice. Keep your eyes on the goaltending and the injury reserve list—that’s where the real story of the 2026 season is being written.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking to attend the All-Star festivities at UBS Arena, book your transport early. The LIRR is going to be a nightmare with the Olympic send-off crowds, and the limited parking at Belmont Park is already being reserved by corporate sponsors.