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With Valentine's Day nestled in its midst, February may be the most romantic month—and there's plenty to love over the next 28 days when it comes to NYC sports. For example, though snow has been a source of ire for many recently, it’s hard not to feel affection for the frozen powder with free snowboarding and skiiing at Winter Jam. And though it's been awhile since tennis fans have thought about Sampras and Agassi—let alone Lendl and McEnroe—the BNP Paribas Showdown reunites the rivals on the court at Madison Square Garden and reminds us that, between some old flames, there will always be a spark. Finally, also at The World's Most Famous Arena, the City has rekindled its passionate on-again, off-again love affairs with St. John's and the Knicks, both of whom look like the winners we once knew. Perhaps they'll break our hearts in the spring, but you know the saying: it's better to have loved and lost than never to have read about the month's sports highlights, below, at all.

Rangers vs. Penguins
February 1, 7:30pm; February 13, 3:30pm; Madison Square Garden
Sidney Crosby and the Penguins skate into Madison Square Garden for intradivisional contests against Chris Drury and the Rangers on February 1 and 13. If these dates don't work for you, check out the rest of the Rangers' schedule.

New York Aviators Hockey
Various dates and times; Aviator Sports & Events Center
The Rangers aren't New York City's only professional hockey team. The New York Aviators, one of NYC's best-kept sports secrets, play in the Federal Hockey League—which is about the equivalent of a single-A minor league baseball team. The Aviators are affiliated with the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers, who, in turn, are affiliated with the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens. The young, hungry players put on a great show in Brooklyn.

New Balance Collegiate Invitational
February 4, 11am; February 5, 9am; New Balance Track & Field Center at the Armory
Athletes from colleges near (e.g., City College of New York and Columbia University), far (e.g., Baylor University and Ohio State University) and everywhere in between meet in New York City, where they'll run, leap and toss their way to glory at one of the region's fastest indoor tracks. For tickets and more information, visit The Armory's website.

Winter Jam NYC 
February 5, 11am–4pm; The Nethermead in Prospect Park
Thanks to the Olympic Regional Development Authority, which will blow snow into Prospect Park for a week leading up to this event, the Nethermead—a large meadow so deep into the park it's easy to forget you're in the City at all—will be the setting for pro and amateur snowboarding, cross-country skiing, lessons (with equipment included), tasty greenmarket samples and more—all for free! For more information, visit the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation's official website.

Super Bowl
February 6, 6:30pm; television sets everywhere
It's the day the snack-food industry, Roman numeral enthusiasts, commercial lovers and, of course, football devotees look forward to all year: the National Football League's championship game. NYC fans may be slightly disappointed that the Jets' season ended just a bit too early, but this occasion transcends petty provincial attachments; so watch at home, check it out at a friend's place or, better yet, catch the action at one of these NYC bars and restaurants showing the game. And just a reminder—in 2014, New Yorkers will be able to watch the Super Bowl in person at New Meadowlands Stadium.

St. John's vs. UConn (and More College Basketball Citywide) 
February 10, 7pm; Madison Square Garden
Two Big East teams in the middle of surprisingly strong seasons meet at Madison Square Garden. A win over the No. 5 (as of press time) UConn Huskies would do wonders for the St. John's Red Storm's NCAA tournament résumé. The game is part of a doubleheader—Boston University takes on Albany in the nightcap. Also this month, Columbia, Fordham, Long Island University, Manhattan, New York University, St. Francis (NY) and Wagner all hit the homestretch in their quests for postseason berths.

Knicks vs. Lakers 
February 11, 8pm; Madison Square Garden
The Knicks, led by Raymond Felton and the high-flying Amar'e Stoudemire, look to solidify their playoff position and earn a marquee win over Kobe Bryant and the two-time defending NBA champions. If you can't make it out to the Garden on February 11 (or, just as likely, can't get your hands on a ticket), worry not—the Knicks play a full complement of home games throughout the month.

The Westminster Kennel Club 135th Annual Dog Show
February 14–15, 8am; Madison Square Garden
Many sporting events may be a figurative battle to be named "top dog," but this is the real thing: about 2,600 dogs representing 179 breeds or varieties cram into Madison Square Garden in pursuit of fame, fortune and fancy ribbons. As far as MSG events go, this one offers an unusual level of access. Spectators are welcome in the backstage benching area, where they can see the dogs up close and even talk to breeders.

Harlem Globetrotters
February 18, 7pm; February 19, 7:30pm; Madison Square Garden
Having read the words "Harlem Globetrotters," chances are you already have "Sweet Georgia Brown" (their whistled jazz theme music) in your head. Such is the indelible impact of the Globetrotters on society. The team—known for its irrepressible tomfoolery (most basketball teams don't dump colorful confetti on the opposition) and outlandish winning percentage (more than 98 percent, boosted by a schedule heavy on this weekend's opponents, the Washington Generals)—seldom fails to elicit ooohs, aaahs and smiles from its adoring public.

NYRR Al Gordon Classic
February 26, 8am; Prospect Park
Former New York Road Runners board member Al Gordon lived to the age of 107, remaining an active inspiration until the end. If he could start running marathons in his 80s, then his namesake 4-mile race is certainly an opportunity for potential participants to reevaluate what they believe to be their own limitations. To register and for more information, visit the New York Road Runners website.

BNP Paribas Showdown 
February 28, 7pm; Madison Square Garden
Step into a tennis time machine as John McEnroe faces Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras takes on Andre Agassi. These competitors' rivalries are some of the most storied in sports, and each player has had some of his finest moments in New York City—all four have won US Open titles. As such, there could be no better place than Madison Square Garden for these athletes to pursue one more triumph over their nemeses. And don't call it an exhibition—recent matchups between these stars have yielded trash talk and exuberant victory celebrations.