Vincent Trocheck (16) and J.T. Miller (8) (Image Credits: Imagn)

Rangers Could Be Shut Out Of Home Games Until November – Here’s Why

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Swati Bhatia | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 12:34 PM ET

The New York Rangers may be staring at a very unusual start to the 2026-27 NHL season, with the possibility that they will not play a single home game until November. Madison Square Garden is scheduled to host an extended run of singer Harry Styles concerts across late August, September, and most of October 2026, leaving little room for hockey during the opening weeks of the season.

In the early calendar dates surfaced on the internet, there are only 16 available days in October for the Rangers to play games at home. However, even those dates are difficult to use. Madison Square Garden is also home to the New York Knicks, who will have their own NBA home games during the same period. On top of that, NHL teams usually play only 12-15 games in a month, and the league avoids scheduling weekday games.

So, it is likely that the Rangers could be forced into a long road-heavy stretch to begin the season.

We may not see the New York Rangers play a home game until NOVEMBER in the 2026-27 season due to Harry Styles touring. pic.twitter.com/EORaZ9UILA
— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) January 23, 2026

For a fanbase that has already endured a frustrating year, the timing feels fitting. The Blueshirts sit last in the Eastern Conference and are on track to miss the playoffs for a second straight season. A disrupted start next season will only add to the uncertainty surrounding the team.

Rangers Have One of the Worst Home Records This Season

The lack of home games may not even be the worst part for some fans. After 51 games this season, the Rangers hold a 21-24-6 record, with 48 points. Their struggles at Madison Square Garden have been especially troubling, with one of the worst home records in the league at 5-13-4.

As a result, fans joked on social media that skipping home games early might actually be better for both the team and the crowd.

Check out some reactions:

“Considering their home record, that will probably help them,” one fan reacted.

Considering their home record that will probably help them
— Mr. Lonely (@Mr_Lonely911) January 23, 2026

“It’s not like they win there anyway,” another wrote.

It’s not like they win there anyway
— Jordyn Saunby (@Jsaunby12) January 23, 2026

“Thank God. Just sim that season,” one fan commented.

Thank God. Just sim that season.
— TRADE OG ANUNOBY (@HeyImAJ) January 23, 2026

“That’s actually better for the Rangers,” another replied.

That’s actually better for the rangers
— Mushy (@True_Mushroom_) January 23, 2026

Behind the scenes, the organization has already acknowledged that things are not going as planned. Last week, the Rangers general manager and president, Chris Drury, wrote a letter to fans, making it clear that the team will be operating in a retooling mode moving forward.

The team took its first major step by informing veteran Artemi Panarin that his contract will not be extended. The 34-year-old holds a full no-movement clause and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, giving him full control over his next move.

Whether the schedule ultimately changes or not, the Rangers’ situation looks uncertain ahead.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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