The New York Rangers have unveiled the first two matchups of their 2026‑27 campaign, setting the stage for a season that promises fresh milestones. The Blueshirts will open on September 29 against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden, a game that will be televised on ESPN at 8 p.m., and will host the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 1 at Madison Square Garden for their home opener.
Preseason action will also be on the horizon, with the Rangers scheduled to play four exhibition games from September 21 through September 25 against the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils.
Schedule Expansion and Its Implications
The league’s full schedule is slated to be released later this week, a development that will clarify the broader slate of contests for the Rangers and their rivals.
Perhaps the most notable change is the expansion of the regular season to 84 games, a first in NHL history, made possible by a four‑year collective bargaining agreement extension between the league and the NHL Players' Association.
That agreement not only adds two games to the schedule but also reflects a long‑term commitment to growth, competitive balance and financial stability across the sport.