The NHL is heading back into the mind of the fan with its latest animated experiment, as the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals prepare to face off on “Hockey Island.”

In a collaboration between the league, ESPN, and Disney, the “Inside Out Classic” will transform real-time tracking data into a Pixar-inspired alternate broadcast, featuring Riley’s iconic emotions skating alongside animated versions of today’s hockey stars.

Following the success of previous ventures like the “Big City Greens Classic,” this year’s presentation utilizes NHL EDGE and Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology to bring the world of Inside Out to the ice. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly way to watch the game or just want to see how Anger reacts to a power play, it’s sure to be a new fold on a Metropolitan Division rivalry.

Here is everything you need to know about the schedule, channel lineups, and streaming options for this weekend’s animated showdown.

Where to watch NHL ‘Inside Out Classic’ alt-cast

The “Inside Out Classic” broadcast of Rangers vs. Capitals will air on Disney Channel, and fans can also stream it through the ESPN app or on Disney+. The traditional broadcast of the game will be on ESPN.

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What is the ‘Inside Out Classic’ game?

The “Inside Out Classic” is the third installment in the NHL’s animated alternate broadcast series, following the successful “Big City Greens Classic” matchups. While the physical game takes place at Madison Square Garden, the animated version is set on “Hockey Island” inside the mind of Riley, the lead character from the Inside Out films.

In this version of the broadcast, Riley’s core emotions — including Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Anxiety — will not only be watching from the sidelines but will actually be skating on the ice alongside the animated NHL players. The production also features original voice talent from the movies to provide in-character reactions to the game’s biggest moments.

Rangers vs. Capitals start timeDate: Sunday, April 5Time: 7:00 p.m. ET

Puck drop between New York and Washington will be at 7:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 5. The game will be played at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Capitals schedule 2026

Here is a look at Washington’s next five games:

DateGameTime (ET)April 5at New York Rangers7:00 p.m.April 8at Toronto Maple Leafs7:30 p.m.April 11at Pittsburgh Penguins3:00 p.m.April 12vs. Pittsburgh Penguins3:00 p.m.April 14at Columbus Blue Jackets7:00 p.m.Rangers schedule 2026

Here is a look at New York’s next five games:

DateGameTime (ET)April 5vs. Washington Capitals7:00 p.m.April 8vs. Buffalo Sabres7:00 p.m.April 11at Dallas Stars5:00 p.m.April 13at Florida Panthers7:00 p.m.April 15at Tampa Bay Lightning7:00 p.m.Related Links