If you’re scrambling to find out what time is the Rangers game today, you aren’t alone. Hockey fans have a weird relationship with Saturday afternoons. Most of the week, we’re used to that 7:00 PM puck drop rhythm. Then Saturday rolls around, and suddenly the schedule decides to get creative. Today, January 17, 2026, the New York Rangers are taking on the Philadelphia Flyers, and it's a matinee affair.
The game is scheduled to start at 1:00 PM EST.
Don't show up to your couch at dinner time. You'll miss the whole thing. This is a classic Metropolitan Division clash, and honestly, these afternoon games can be a bit of a coin flip. Some teams come out sluggish; others thrive on the early start. For the Rangers, who have been navigating a bit of a rollercoaster season with a 20-22-6 record, every point matters right now.
Where to Watch and Game Details
Finding the game shouldn't be a massive headache, but it depends on where you live. Since this is an away game for New York, they’re playing at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. If you’re in the New York market, you’re likely looking at MSG or MSG+. For the Philly locals, it’s on NBC Sports Philadelphia.
- Puck Drop: 1:00 PM EST
- Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena (Philadelphia, PA)
- National Streaming: ESPN+
- Local TV: MSG, NBCSP
If you're out of market, ESPN+ is basically your best friend here. Just make sure your subscription is active before the first period starts. There's nothing worse than staring at a login screen while the notification for a goal pops up on your phone.
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Why Today’s Matchup Against the Flyers Is a Must-Watch
The rivalry is real. Even when both teams aren't at the top of the standings, Rangers vs. Flyers feels different. It’s gritty. It’s loud. It’s usually a bit mean.
The Flyers are currently sitting at 22-16-8, putting them a bit ahead of the Blueshirts in the Eastern Conference race. They’ve been surprisingly stout at home, and with guys like Trevor Zegras leading their offensive charge with 42 points this season, the Rangers' defense is going to have its hands full.
On the New York side, Artemi Panarin continues to be the engine. He's sitting at 51 points through 47 games. That’s elite production, but he can't do it by himself. Mika Zibanejad has also been heating up, especially with his ability to open the scoring. In fact, he’s led the league in game-opening goals this season. Getting that first one today at 1:00 PM will be huge for setting the tone in a hostile environment.
Injury Updates and Lineup Changes
This is where things get a little dicey for New York. If you've been following the news this morning, the injury report is a bit of a laundry list.
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Igor Shesterkin is officially out with a lower-body injury. That means Jonathan Quick is expected to be the man in the crease. Quick is a legend, obviously, but he’s had a tough go lately with a 3-10-2 record. He’s going to need the skaters in front of him to play a much tighter game than they did in that 8-4 blowout loss to Ottawa earlier this week.
Beyond the goaltending situation, the Rangers are also missing Adam Fox. Losing a Norris-caliber defenseman is a gut punch to the power play. You’ll likely see more minutes for K'Andre Miller as the coaching staff tries to patch those holes on the blue line.
The Flyers aren't perfectly healthy either, with Tyson Foerster out, but they seem to be weathering their absences a bit better lately.
What Most People Get Wrong About Matinee Games
There’s this common myth that afternoon games are "boring" or "low-energy."
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That’s usually wrong.
While players have to adjust their pre-game meals and routines—trading the steak and pasta for maybe some heavy breakfast or an early lunch—the intensity often ramps up because the ice is fresh. In many arenas, the ice quality is actually better for a 1:00 PM start than it is at 7:00 PM after a day of building heat and previous events. This can lead to a faster, more skilled game.
Also, for those checking the betting lines, the Flyers are the favorites today at roughly -150. The over/under is hovering around 6 goals. Given the Rangers' recent defensive struggles and the absence of Shesterkin, the "over" is looking pretty tempting to a lot of folks.
Actionable Steps for Today's Game
- Check your streaming login now. If you're using ESPN+ or the MSG app, make sure you aren't locked out.
- Set a reminder for 12:45 PM. This gives you fifteen minutes to get your snacks and beverages ready before the puck actually hits the ice.
- Keep an eye on social media. With several players "day-to-day," the final lineup isn't usually set in stone until the pre-game skate is over.
- Monitor the goaltending. If Jonathan Quick gets off to a hot start in the first ten minutes, the Rangers have a legitimate shot at the upset. If he's shaky early, it could be a long afternoon.
The Rangers need to find some consistency if they want to climb back into a solid playoff spot. Beating a division rival on the road is exactly the kind of "statement win" that can turn a season around. So, now that you know what time is the Rangers game today, go get settled in. It’s going to be a battle in Philly.
Final Tip: If you're planning on betting or playing daily fantasy, double-check the status of Conor Sheary and Adam Edstrom. Both are currently listed as out, which significantly thins out the Rangers' bottom-six forward depth. This might mean more ice time for the younger guys like Will Cuylle, who has been a bright spot with 23 points and a very physical presence on the ice.