Blue Line Station
Fansided

Hockey Hiatus: Why Tuesday Night Lights Dim for NHL Fans

By Marvin Azrak

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 29: The New York Rangers table during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 29: The New York Rangers table during the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena on June 29, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Discover the intriguing reasons behind the absence of NHL games on Tuesday night. Uncover the team and New York Rangers scheduling complexities and how the NHL Network is stepping up.

Like all of you, I was stunned to wake up to No NHL games on Tuesday night, and here’s the scoop. Only four arenas are available – Vancouver, Columbus, Calgary, and Arizona. Canadian teams are jetting off to the US for Thanksgiving Eve and Black Friday, a specific week where American teams requested home games. It left the NHL with just a handful of options.

NHL’s Tuesday Timeout: Behind the Scenes and AHL’s Power Play to the Rescue:

Arizona’s not up for back-to-back home games on Tuesday and Wednesday, which would equal four games in five days, fair enough. Then there’s the whole scheduling puzzle – 12 teams are locked in for Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

The foursome that went on a Swedish adventure, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings –  are out as they’re still readjusting to North American time. Yes, there’s a method to the madness, but some fans are shaking their heads at what feels like poor planning.

The Coyotes didn’t have to play the Los Angeles Kings and fell 4-1 last night. If their arena was free, why not use it? The teams would be fine with an extra day off.  MSG is ready to roll, but the Rangers are in the middle of a four-game road trip. And what’s up with Columbus’ Nationwide Arena sitting empty tonight while the Blue Jackets host the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday? It feels like the NHL deliberately dodged a Tuesday game this week.

If you’re craving puck action, NHL Network’s got your back with free AHL hockey. The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (6-6-2), Philadelphia Flyers’ affiliate, are taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Marlies (7-4-2) at 7 PM ET.   Junior  Hockey is also available if you’re into that.

So, while the NHL might have a gap in its Tuesday night schedule, there’s still some quality hockey to be enjoyed.

Home/Rangers News