The Super Bowl is two long weeks away. But, for the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, there is no stop in sports action. So while ESPN continues to count how many times Peyton Manning said “Omaha” and how loud Seattle’s 12th man fan section is, let’s look at action-packed sports events across the New York metropolitan area leading up to Feb. 2 kickoff.

Jan. 26 and 29 – Coors Light Stadium Series

Yankee stadium will host two games in NHL’s new “Stadium Series.”  On Jan. 26, the New York Rangers will go up against the New Jersey Devils and three days later the blue shirts will face the New York Islanders.  I’ve always been a fan of the NHL Winter Classic and any other outdoor games, and these two local rivalries taking place in the beautiful Yankee Stadium should not disappoint. But, these outdoor matchups do more than provide a fun twist for the fans. Entering Jan. 21, the second place Rangers are just 10 points ahead of the last-place Islanders. The Devils are right in the thick of things in the Metropolitan Division and sit just six points behind the Rangers.  The Penguins are running away with the division, but all three local hockey teams have a shot at the final two playoff spots, and these head-to-head matchups could go a long way in terms of who makes the postseason.

Jan. 26 – Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks

The Knicks may be in shambles and Kobe Bryant is still out injured, but there’s still something special about basketball at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden.  The Garden is fresh off a $1 billion renovation project that has given the iconic venue a much needed makeover.  The Garden now has upgraded concessions, entrances and scoreboards.  But, the most unique new feature is the “Chase Bridges.”  These new concourses run alongside the length of the court/rink/floor and provide fans with an amazing bird’s eye view of the arena.

Jan. 31 – Newark Tech vs. St. Anthony’s high school basketball

Just a short drive into Jersey City, one of the best high school basketball programs in the nation will be taking the floor.  Coached by legend Bob Hurley, who has been interviewed by media outlets such as CBS’s 60 Minutes, the Friars have been dominating New Jersey basketball for the last few decades.  Notable basketball alumni include Hurley’s son, Bobby, who had a solid college career at Duke University before a brief career in the NBA, as well as current UCLA guard and former McDonald’s All-American Kyle Anderson. Hurley has dedicated the last 41 years to St. Anthony’s leading the team to 27 state championships, four national championships, and three USA Today National Coach of the Year awards.

Feb. 1 – Super Saturday Doubleheader

The Garden will host a mouth-watering afternoon doubleheader the day before the Super Bowl.  Queens-based St. John’s University, which plays a handful of regular season games at the Garden, will host Big East foe Marquette University, while Georgetown University will take on Michigan State University in the second game of the session.  The Garden hosts a ton of college basketball throughout the year including the NCAA East Regional later this year. Michigan State looks to be a title contender and player of the year candidate senior forward Keith Appling will look to take center stage at the world’s most famous arena. Georgetown and Marquette are primed for runs come March, while St. John’s will show off its brand of local basketball.