If you are currently scouring your channel guide trying to figure out what channel is the rangers game on tonight, I have some news that might save you a lot of scrolling. Honestly, it’s the kind of update that makes every hockey fan take a deep breath.
The New York Rangers do not have a game tonight, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
They just got off the ice from a brutal matchup last night against the Ottawa Senators. If you missed that one, maybe count yourself lucky. It was a mess. They fell 8-4 at Madison Square Garden, which makes it five straight losses for the Blueshirts. They’re currently in a bit of a tailspin, having been outscored 30-12 since that high-energy Winter Classic win against Florida back on New Year’s Day.
But even though the lights are dark at the Garden tonight, you’re probably here because you need to know where to look for the next puck drop. Navigating the NHL’s broadcast landscape in 2026 feels like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark. Between the regional sports networks, the national deals on TNT and ESPN, and the rise of "The Gotham Sports App," finding the game is rarely as simple as just hitting channel 4.
Where to find the next Rangers game
The Rangers aren't staying idle for long. They hit the road this weekend for a Saturday matinee.
- The Next Matchup: New York Rangers at Philadelphia Flyers
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Puck Drop: 1:00 PM EST
- Primary TV Channel: MSG Network
If you live in the New York Tri-State area—basically anywhere from the Jersey Shore up to southern Connecticut—MSG is your home base. It’s where Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti usually break down the action. However, if you've cut the cord, "where the game is on" becomes a question of which app you pay for.
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The Gotham Sports App and MSG+
Basically, if you aren't using a traditional cable provider like Spectrum or Optimum, you're likely looking at The Gotham Sports App. This is the relatively new home for MSG+ and YES Network content. You can buy MSG+ standalone for about $30 a month if you just want hockey.
It’s expensive. I know. But it’s currently the only "official" way to stream the local broadcast without a cable log-in.
Out-of-Market Fans and ESPN+
For those of you living outside the local New York market—say, you’re a fan living in Dallas or Chicago—your "what channel" answer is almost always ESPN+. Under the current NHL deal, ESPN+ carries the "Power Play" package, which is essentially the modern version of NHL Center Ice.
You’ll get the MSG feed there, but only if you are physically located outside the Rangers' home territory. If you try to watch on ESPN+ while sitting in a Manhattan apartment, you’ll get hit with a blackout screen faster than a Chris Kreider deflection.
The National TV Schedule Shuffle
Sometimes the answer to what channel is the rangers game on tonight isn't MSG at all. The NHL loves putting the Rangers on national TV because, well, they draw ratings. When a game goes national, the local MSG broadcast is usually blacked out entirely.
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Keep these heavy hitters on your radar for the rest of January and February:
- TNT / Max: They have several Wednesday night slots. For example, the upcoming January 28 game against the Islanders is a TNT exclusive. You won't find that on MSG.
- ABC / ESPN: These are usually the big weekend games. The Rangers play the Penguins on ABC on January 31 at 3:30 PM.
- NHL Network: This one is the trickiest. It’s an out-of-market-only broadcast. If you’re local, you still watch on MSG. If you're out-of-market, you have to have the actual NHL Network channel; it won't be on ESPN+.
What about the Texas Rangers?
I should mention this just in case you were looking for the other Rangers. If you’re looking for the Texas Rangers baseball team, they are currently in the deep freeze of the off-season.
The Texas Rangers won’t be back on your TV until February 20, 2026, when Spring Training kicks off in Surprise, Arizona. Their first game is against the Kansas City Royals. When that starts, you'll be looking for the Rangers Sports Network or Bally Sports (depending on the naming rights drama of the week) and local stations like CW33 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
But for tonight, January 15, there is no baseball. Just the cold reality of a mid-winter break.
Why the "What Channel" question is so hard in 2026
The reason you’re likely frustrated is that the "territory" rules are still stuck in the 1990s while the technology is in 2026. Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) like MSG have exclusive rights to show games in their "home" area. They pay the team hundreds of millions of dollars for that exclusivity.
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This means even if you pay for a massive streaming package, you can still get "blacked out" if the game is being shown on a local channel you don't have. It’s a mess of contracts and zip codes.
Quick Checklist for Future Games
- Check the App: Open the Rangers official app or NHL app about 30 minutes before puck drop. It usually lists the exact local and national broadcasters.
- Check TNT: If it’s a Wednesday, there’s a 50/50 shot it’s on TNT or Max.
- Check ABC: If it’s a Saturday afternoon, look for ABC.
- The "Default": If it’s any other night, it’s MSG.
Actionable Steps for the Next Puck Drop
Since there isn't a game tonight, you have time to get your setup ready for the Flyers game on Saturday.
First, verify your credentials. If you’re a cable subscriber, make sure your "Go" apps are updated. If you're a cord-cutter, check if your Fubo or DirecTV Stream subscription is active, as those are the two major "Skinny Bundles" that still carry MSG.
Second, if you're planning on watching the Jan 28 rivalry game against the Islanders, make sure you have access to Max or a provider that carries TNT. That’s a national exclusive, so the local MSG feed will be dark.
Finally, if you're a die-hard who can't stand the TV blackouts, keep a radio nearby. You can always catch the Rangers on 880 AM or 1050 AM in the New York area. It’s free, it never black out, and honestly, sometimes the radio call is more exciting anyway.
The Rangers are back in action Saturday. Use tonight to recover from that Senators loss.
Next Steps:
- Check your local listings for MSG Network ahead of Saturday’s 1:00 PM start.
- Download the Gotham Sports App if you need a streaming-only option for the Tri-State area.
- Verify your ESPN+ login if you are watching from outside the New York/Philadelphia markets.