If you’re sitting on your couch wondering what hockey game is on right now, you’ve actually picked a pretty incredible Sunday to tune in. We aren't just looking at the NHL today. From a massive PWHL "Takeover Tour" stop in the nation’s capital to critical AHL matchups and a heavy slate of ECHL action, there is basically a puck dropping every few hours.
The schedule today, January 18, 2026, is spread across three different time zones. Honestly, it’s the kind of day where you can start with a matinee and roll straight into a late-night Western Conference clash without ever needing to change out of your sweatpants.
The Big NHL Matchups for Sunday, Jan 18
The National Hockey League has three main events today. They’ve staggered them perfectly so you don't have to choose—unless you’re trying to be productive, which, let’s be real, nobody is doing on a hockey Sunday.
Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars
This is the early bird special. The puck drops at 2:00 PM ET (1:00 PM local time in Dallas) at the American Airlines Center.
The Stars are currently sitting pretty at 27-12-9, but the Lightning are right on their heels with 29 wins of their own. If you’re looking for a goaltending battle, this is usually the place to find it. Dallas has been leaning hard on their home-ice advantage lately, and they’re going to need it against a Tampa squad that seems to find another gear every January. You can catch this one nationally on NHL Network, or if you're in the local markets, check your regional sports networks like Bally Sports.
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Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings
Next up, we head to Little Caesars Arena. This game starts at 5:00 PM ET.
Detroit has been a rollercoaster this season. One night they look like Original Six royalty, and the next, they’re struggling to clear the zone. The Senators are coming in as the underdogs here, but these two teams have a weird, simmering rivalry that usually results in a lot of post-whistle chirping. It’s a classic divisional battle that could have huge wildcard implications later this spring.
St. Louis Blues at Edmonton Oilers
The nightcap happens up north at Rogers Place. Start time is 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM local time).
Watching Connor McDavid in person—or even just on a high-def screen—never gets old. The Oilers have been high-octane lately, and the Blues are going to have to play a nearly perfect defensive game to keep this from turning into a track meet. St. Louis has played a lot of "heavy" hockey this month, so expect some bruising hits along the boards early in the first period.
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PWHL Takeover: Montréal vs. New York in D.C.
This might actually be the coolest story of the day. The Professional Women's Hockey League is taking over Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. at 2:00 PM ET.
It’s part of their 16-game Takeover Tour, and it's the first time the PWHL has ever played in the District. The Montréal Victoire and the New York Sirens are currently tied in the standings with 19 points each. This isn't just an exhibition; it's a fight for third place.
- Who to watch: Marie-Philip Poulin is leading Montréal with 12 points. For New York, keep an eye on Casey O'Brien.
- Where to watch: This game is being broadcast everywhere. You’ve got FOX 5+ in DC, MSG in New York, and it's streaming for free on the PWHL YouTube channel.
AHL and Minor League Action
If you’re a fan of the "next big thing," the American Hockey League has a few gems today. The Hershey Bears are taking on the Charlotte Checkers at 4:00 PM ET. The Bears have been on a tear, not losing in regulation since the start of 2026.
Over in the ECHL, the Adirondack Thunder are playing the Trois-Rivières Lions at 3:00 PM ET. The Thunder have been incredible in close games this year, so if you’re looking for a nail-biter, that’s the one to find on FloHockey.
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How to Stream Every Game Today
Gone are the days when you just turned on Channel 4 and hoped for the best. To see what hockey game is on right now, you sort of need a roadmap of apps.
- NHL Power Play on ESPN+: This is the gold standard. If you are out-of-market, you can see almost every NHL game here.
- AHLTV on FloHockey: This is where you find the Hershey Bears and the rest of the AHL.
- YouTube: Specifically for the PWHL. It is genuinely refreshing to see a professional league stream their games for free.
- Regional Networks: If you live in Dallas, Detroit, or St. Louis, you’re likely looking at your local Bally Sports or Monumental Sports Network.
Why Today Matters for the Standings
We are officially past the midway point of the season. Teams aren't just "feeling things out" anymore. Points earned in January are worth just as much as points in April, but they feel more desperate now.
In the NHL, the Stars are trying to keep pace in a brutal Central Division. In the PWHL, the winner of the Montréal/New York game gets a massive psychological edge heading into the late winter stretch.
Basically, the stakes are high, the ice is cold, and you've got about twelve hours of coverage to get through.
Actionable Steps for Hockey Fans
If you're trying to catch the action before the final horn, here is what you need to do:
- Check the YouTube PWHL channel immediately. It’s the easiest way to get a game on your phone or laptop without a subscription.
- Verify your local blackouts. If you’re trying to watch the Stars in Dallas on ESPN+, it probably won't work. Have your cable login or a VPN ready.
- Follow live scores on the NHL app. If you can’t watch every game, the "Gamecenter" feature gives you real-time shot maps and advanced stats like Expected Goals (xG), which helps you understand who is actually dominating, even if the score is tied.
- Set a reminder for the Oilers game. It’s the late start, and usually, the most explosive game of the night. You don't want to miss the first ten minutes of an Edmonton power play.
It doesn't matter if you're a die-hard fan or just someone who likes the sound of skates on ice—there's enough variety today to keep any sports fan occupied.