Trying to figure out when is the next hockey game usually feels like a frantic game of digital whack-a-mole. You’re bouncing between apps, checking regional sports networks that may or may not exist anymore, and wondering if your favorite team is on a random Tuesday night hiatus.
Well, if you're looking for action right now, today—Saturday, January 17, 2026—is basically Christmas for hockey fans. It’s the 26th annual Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, which means the schedule is absolutely stacked with a 12.5-hour marathon of games.
Whether you’re hunting for the NHL schedule, the PWHL’s rising stars, or a late-night college tilt, here is the exact breakdown of what’s hitting the ice next.
When Is the Next Hockey Game in the NHL?
The NHL is in full-throttle mode today. We aren't just talking about a couple of games; we’re talking about a 13-game slate that covers every time zone in North America.
Right now, as of midday, we have games already in progress or just finishing up. The Minnesota Wild and Buffalo Sabres got things started early at KeyBank Center, followed closely by the New York Rangers taking on the Philadelphia Flyers.
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But if you’re looking for what’s coming up next in the evening block, here’s the heavy hitting lineup for tonight:
- 7:00 PM EST: This is the "big bang" of the night. You've got five games dropping the puck simultaneously. The Toronto Maple Leafs are in Winnipeg to face the Jets, which is a massive highlight for Hockey Day in Canada. At the same time, the Montreal Canadiens are visiting the Ottawa Senators, and the Carolina Hurricanes are battling the New Jersey Devils. If you’re into the Metropolitan Division drama, the Columbus Blue Jackets are at the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Florida Panthers are taking on the Washington Capitals.
- 8:00 PM EST: The Boston Bruins head to the United Center to face the Chicago Blackhawks.
- 10:00 PM EST: The late-night "After Dark" crew has three games. The Edmonton Oilers are in Vancouver for a massive Pacific Division clash against the Canucks. Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators visit the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Los Angeles Kings are playing the Ducks in the Freeway Face-Off.
Basically, if you turn on your TV after 7:00 PM tonight, you're going to find a game.
The Hockey Day in Canada Factor
It's worth noting that today isn't just a regular Saturday. The Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada is being hosted from Moncton, New Brunswick. Because of this, the Canadian matchups (Leafs/Jets, Habs/Sens, Oilers/Canucks) are getting the "gold" treatment with extra features and potentially longer pre-game ceremonies. If you’re watching in Canada on Sportsnet, it’s a total marathon.
What About the PWHL and College Games?
The NHL doesn't own the ice. The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is also in action today with a major game.
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The Vancouver Goldeneyes are taking on the Toronto Sceptres at 3:00 PM ET at Scotiabank Arena. This is actually a pretty big deal because these two teams are the only ones in the league who haven't played each other yet this season. If you missed the puck drop, keep an eye on the PWHL YouTube channel or Sportsnet, as they often have the full replays or live streams available.
For the college hockey junkies, the Hockey East schedule is popping off tonight. You’ve got Boston College at Providence and Merrimack at Massachusetts, both starting at 7:00 PM ET. There’s also an exhibition game with Colorado College hosting Simon Fraser at 4:00 PM local time.
Checking the Schedule for Tomorrow and Beyond
If you missed tonight's window and are looking ahead to Sunday, January 18, the pace slows down significantly. The NHL only has three games on the docket for Sunday:
- Tampa Bay Lightning at Dallas Stars (2:00 PM EST)
- Ottawa Senators at Detroit Red Wings (5:00 PM EST)
- St. Louis Blues at Edmonton Oilers (8:00 PM EST)
The PWHL also has a huge "Takeover Tour" game tomorrow. The Montréal Victoire will play the New York Sirens at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., at 2:00 PM ET. It's a cool neutral-site game that's part of their effort to grow the footprint of the women's game.
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Pro Tip for Finding Games Fast
Honestly, the most reliable way to keep track of when is the next hockey game without getting lost in a sea of ads is to use the official league apps (NHL or PWHL) or a dedicated sports app like The Score or ESPN.
One thing people often forget: check your local listings for "blackout" games. If you’re trying to watch a home team, you might be forced onto a specific regional network like Bally Sports (now often rebranded) or a local affiliate like KHN/Prime in Seattle.
Your Game Day Checklist
Since you know the games are happening, here is how you should actually prep so you don't miss the first period:
- Verify your timezone: Most national schedules are listed in Eastern Time. If you're in the West, that 7:00 PM puck drop is actually 4:00 PM for you. Don't be the person who joins during the second intermission.
- Check the "Out-of-Market" rules: if you have NHL Power Play on ESPN+, remember that local games and national TNT/ABC games usually won't stream there live.
- Sync your calendar: Both the NHL and most college teams offer a "Sync to Calendar" button on their official websites. It’s a lifesaver for those random Tuesday night games you'd otherwise forget.
- Look for the 4 Nations Face-Off: We are only a few weeks away from the massive 4 Nations Face-Off (starting February 12) and the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The rosters were just finalized, so pay close attention to guys like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews tonight—they're playing for more than just two points right now; they're playing for Olympic chemistry.
The puck is moving fast this time of year. Between the Hockey Day in Canada festivities and the looming Olympic break, every game carries a bit more weight than it did in October. Pick a game, find a stream, and enjoy the show.