You’re probably waking up, grabbing a coffee, and wondering exactly when to flip the TV over to catch the game. It’s a common ritual. Whether you're a die-hard Blueshirt from Manhattan or waiting for the boys from Arlington to take the field, the "Rangers" name covers a lot of ground in the American sports landscape.
But here is the thing. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026.
If you are looking for the Texas Rangers, you are going to be waiting a while. We are currently in the heart of winter. The grass at Globe Life Field is quiet. Major League Baseball doesn't kick off its 2026 regular season until March 25, 2026, when the Giants and Yankees play that standalone opener. The Texas Rangers themselves don't start spring training games until late February.
The real action today is on the ice.
What Time Does The Rangers Play Today? (NHL Update)
If you are looking for the New York Rangers, I have some news that might be a bit of a letdown for your Sunday afternoon plans. The New York Rangers do not play today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
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They actually played yesterday, Saturday the 17th, against the Philadelphia Flyers. It was a 1:00 PM matinee game at the Wells Fargo Center. Usually, when the NHL schedule has a heavy Saturday like we just saw, Sunday ends up being a bit "light." Today is exactly that—only three games are on the NHL slate across the entire league.
However, you don't have to wait long. The Rangers are hitting the road for a West Coast swing. Their next game is tomorrow, Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10:00 PM EST (7:00 PM local time) against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center.
Since it's a holiday weekend for many (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), that late-night start might be a bit easier to stomach than a usual Monday night.
Upcoming New York Rangers Schedule
Honestly, the schedule is about to get pretty grueling for the team. Here is what the next few days look like for the Blueshirts:
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- Monday, Jan 19: vs. Anaheim Ducks (10:00 PM EST)
- Tuesday, Jan 20: vs. Los Angeles Kings (10:00 PM EST)
- Friday, Jan 23: vs. San Jose Sharks (10:00 PM EST)
- Monday, Jan 26: vs. Boston Bruins (7:00 PM EST) - Back home at the Garden!
Where to Watch the Next Game
When they lace up tomorrow night in Anaheim, you’ll likely find the broadcast on MSG or MSG-2 if you’re in the local New York market. For the out-of-market fans, ESPN+ and NHL Power Play are your best bets.
It’s worth noting that these West Coast games are notorious "schedule losses" sometimes because of the travel, but the Rangers have been historically decent when heading out to California. Keep an eye on the goaltending rotation. With a back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday, you can almost guarantee we’ll see both Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick (assuming he's still the veteran presence in the room) splitting those starts.
What About the Other Rangers?
I know, some of you clicked this because you’re already dreaming of the crack of the bat.
The Texas Rangers are currently in the offseason. If you are trying to plan your 2026 trips to Arlington, the MLB officially released the schedule a while back. The 2026 season is special because it aligns with the 250th anniversary of American independence.
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While they aren't playing today, here is the "save the date" info for the Texas Rangers:
- Spring Training Opener: Expect games to start around February 20-22, 2026, in Surprise, Arizona.
- Opening Day: Most of the league starts on March 26, 2026.
- Ticket Sales: If you haven't signed up for their email list yet, today (Jan 18) is actually the deadline to get into the presale for 2026 single-game tickets. You have until 11:59 PM tonight to register on the MLB website if you want that early access for the January 20th sale.
The "Rangers" Confusion
It happens every year. In January, "Rangers" almost always means hockey. In July, it almost always means baseball. In late February and October, it’s a total toss-up.
If you're looking for a score today, you might see "New York" on the ticker, but it's likely the PWHL New York team. They are actually playing a neutral-site game today against Montreal as part of their "Takeover Tour." That game is happening in Washington D.C. at 7:00 PM EST. It’s high-level hockey, and honestly, if you’re going through withdrawals because the NHL Rangers are off today, it’s a great watch.
Actionable Next Steps
Since the New York Rangers are off today, here is how you can prep for tomorrow:
- Check your DVR: Set it for 10:00 PM EST tomorrow so you don't miss the puck drop in Anaheim.
- Register for Texas Rangers Tickets: If you're a baseball fan, go to the official MLB Rangers site before midnight tonight to get on that presale list.
- Rest Up: If you plan on watching the full California road trip this week, you're going to have some late nights ahead of you.
The Rangers (the hockey ones) will be back on your screen tomorrow night. Enjoy the rare quiet Sunday before the West Coast madness begins.