How to watch first Rangers vs. Islanders game of the season for free

How to watch first Rangers vs. Islanders game of the season for free
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.

One of the moments Rangers and Islanders fans have been waiting for is finally here: it’s the first NY rivalry game of the 2024 NHL season!

Last season, two of the four games in the season series went to overtime and one even went further into a shootout. The Rangers won both of those OT games, plus a third in regulation, while the Islanders won just one.

This season, the Rangers are off to a dominant 7-2-1 start, while the Islanders have a more middling 4-5-2 record — but as these games often show us, anything can happen when the Rangers and Islanders share the ice.

Here’s everything you need to know about Rangers vs. Islanders, from start time and channel, to how to watch for free.

Rangers vs. Islanders date and time: When is the first Rangers-Islanders game?

The New York Rangers take on the New York Islanders today, November 3, live from Madison Square Garden. Puck drop is set for 2:00 p.m. ET.

What channel is the Rangers vs. Islanders on today?

The Rangers vs. Islanders game is airing in the New York area on both teams’ regional sports networks (RSNs). To listen to the Rangers broadcasters, you’ll want to watch MSG; the Islanders broadcast will air on MSGSN.

Outside of the New York market, the game will air on NHL Network.

How to watch Rangers vs. Islanders for free:

An easy and free way to stream the Rangers vs. Islanders game without cable is by using a live TV streaming service with a free trial.

One we’re recommending to everyone right now is DIRECTV Stream, which comes with a five-day free trial and includes both RSNs in the Choice plan. After the trial ends, DIRECTV Stream plan costs $94.99/month.

Out-of-market viewers can watch for free on NHL Network with DIRECTV Stream’s Ultimate plan.

Rangers vs. Islanders season series:

In addition to today’s game, the Rangers and Islanders will meet three more times this season.


  • February 25 at 7:30 p.m. ET
  • March 3 at 7:00 p.m. ET
  • April 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET


Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Writer/Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping and New York Post’s streaming property, Decider. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on each streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. Prior to joining Decider and New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.