You’re staring at the calendar and realized it's game day. Or maybe you're just getting ahead of the rush. Either way, finding out what channel rangers game on today can feel like a scavenger hunt if you aren't prepared for the local TV circus.
The New York Rangers are currently navigating a brutal stretch of the 2025-2026 NHL season. Honestly, it’s been a rollercoaster. If you're looking for the game today, Friday, January 16, 2026, there is a catch.
No Rangers Game Tonight, But Set Your Alarm
Basically, if you’re looking for a puck drop on Friday night, you’re going to be disappointed. The Rangers are off tonight. They just finished a tough home stand against the Ottawa Senators on the 14th and are currently in the middle of a short travel window.
The real action happens tomorrow.
The New York Rangers take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, January 17, 2026. This isn't your typical 7:00 PM evening game, though. It’s a matinee.
Puck drop is scheduled for 1:00 PM EST at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly.
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Where to Find the Broadcast
If you are in the New York market, you’ll find the game on its usual home: MSG Network.
For the Philly crowd or those in that region, it’ll be on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
What if you're out of market? That's where things get a bit more modern. You'll need ESPN+ to catch the "NHL Power Play" stream. It’s the go-to for anyone living outside the Northeast who still wants to see Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin do their thing.
Why Keeping Up with the Rangers Channels is a Mess
It used to be simpler. You turned on the TV, found the one sports channel you had, and the game was there. Now? You need a degree in streaming services.
MSG Network remains the primary hub for the 2025-2026 season. They carry the vast majority of games. However, we’ve seen more "national exclusives" lately. This season, the Rangers have already appeared on TNT, ABC, and ESPN. When those games happen, MSG is usually blacked out. It's annoying, but that's the current TV deal for you.
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If you’ve cut the cord, you’re probably looking at Fubo or DirecTV Stream as your only ways to get MSG without a cable box. Or, you can go the direct route with the Gotham Sports App. It’s the new-ish joint venture that lets you stream MSG and YES Network (for the Yankees/Nets fans) in one place. It costs about $30 a month for MSG+ alone, which is a steep price for one team, but it’s the cleanest way to watch if you don't want a full cable package.
The Streaming Situation for 2026
- In-Market: MSG Network / Gotham Sports App.
- Out-of-Market: ESPN+.
- National Games: TNT (and Max), ABC, or ESPN.
- Canada: Sportsnet or Prime Video (for Monday nights).
What’s at Stake for This Rangers Team?
The Blueshirts are in a weird spot right now. As of mid-January 2026, they are sitting at 20-22-6. That’s not exactly where fans expected them to be. They are currently 8th in the Metropolitan Division.
The defense has been... let's say "porous."
Igor Shesterkin has been his usual heroic self, holding a 2.45 GAA, but he can't stop everything. The team has a goal differential of -21. You can’t win a Stanley Cup—or even make the playoffs—with numbers like that. The game tomorrow against the Flyers is huge because Philly is only a few points ahead of them in the standings. It’s a four-point swing game.
Watching the Texas Rangers?
Wait. Are you looking for the other Rangers?
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If you're asking about the Texas Rangers, you're a bit early. We are currently in the heart of winter. MLB Spring Training doesn't start until late February. The Texas Rangers don't play their first preseason game until February 20, 2026, against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium.
When that season starts, they’ll be on the Rangers Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports). Most of those games stream on Fubo as well.
How to Prepare for the Weekend
Since there's no game today, use the time to make sure your apps are updated. There is nothing worse than sitting down with a beer at 1:00 PM tomorrow only to find out your Gotham Sports App needs a 20-minute update or your ESPN+ password has expired.
- Check your subscription: Make sure your MSG+ or ESPN+ account is active.
- Verify the time: Remember, it's a 1:00 PM start tomorrow, not a night game.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep an eye on the status of Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin. They’ve both been dealing with lower-body nags lately, though Igor is expected to start in Philly.
The Rangers have a long road back to relevance this season. After the Flyers game, they head West to face the Ducks, Kings, and Sharks. This weekend is the start of a make-or-break road trip that will likely determine if Chris Drury becomes a "seller" at the trade deadline.
Check your local listings around noon tomorrow to confirm no last-minute "NHL Network" flexes have moved the game from MSG. It happens rarely, but it’s worth the 10-second Google search.