The New York Rangers are going to have a very interesting season in 2026-27, and the 84 games will dictate where this team's future lies. Looking at the upcoming schedule, there are a couple of games that really stand out above the rest.
Here are the top three games that will be must-see TV or, if you happen to be in the stands of Madison Square Garden, a no-blink affair. Let's talk about it.
October 1 -Opening Night at Madison Square Garden
This is not the first game of the season, but it is infinitely more important than the opening night game of the season against Boston on September 29. The Rangers take a stroll on the "Blue Carpet" on October 1, with the Tampa Bay Lightning coming to town. It is always fun watching former captain Ryan McDonagh come to town.
This game sets the tone for what the Rangers need to establish most in 2026-27. They have to be proficient at home, elite, if you will. Blueshirts fans will tell you that the spark of home ice is the lifeblood of this team, and that had been absent last season as the Rangers were 14-20-7 on home ice.
February 28 - Away versus Pittsburgh, trade deadline looming
The Rangers made some moves in the offseason to button up this roster following the loss of Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin. Pavel Dorofeyev was brought in to score a lot of goals, as well as Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson on the blue line.
Depending on what this team looks like as the season approaches March, the trade deadline is going to be very interesting. This team could be buyers if they are in contention, or they can once again be sellers and continue to retool this roster with youth. The main player to watch as a trade piece is Braden Schneider, as this is a one-year tryout for him to try to impress the front office.
This game on February 28, 2027 is the final game before the newly implemented March 1 trade deadline. President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Chris Drury is going to be very busy during this time, one way or another.
April 10 - Playoff implications against Toronto
If the Rangers are able to muster a successful season in 2026-27, this final game of the 84-game slate against Toronto could be for all the marbles. The Maple Leafs are hoping for a nice turnaround for themselves next season, and they could be fighting for a playoff spot themselves.
This is a pipedream scenario, but if everything goes according to plan, it could become a reality.
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