Tri-State Hockey Podcast

Episode 38 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast is packed with chaos, trade talk, playoff pressure, and big-picture NHL debate as Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple break down everything happening around the Rangers, Devils, and Islanders. The guys open with the wild goalie fight between Igor Shesterkin and Jacob Markstrom and what it says about the Rangers’ toughness, swagger, and carryover into next season. From there, they dive into the Brady Tkachuk-to-New York conversation, what a potential trade package could look like, and whether he is the exact type of player the Rangers need. The Devils conversation follows with a closer look at Nico Hischier, leadership, New Jersey’s front office questions, and what changes could be coming. Then the focus shifts to the Islanders’ playoff push, their remaining schedule, Sorokin’s workload, and whether they can still get over the line. The episode wraps with listener voicemail, a look back at J.S. Giguere’s legendary 2003 run, and a fascinating discussion on Matthew Schaefer’s ceiling and Calder case.Timestamps0:00 Intro0:50 Rangers-Devils chaos and opening thoughts1:03 Igor Shesterkin vs. Jacob Markstrom goalie fight reaction1:46 Arthur Staple on why Shesterkin always felt destined for a goalie fight4:06 Mike Rupp on Igor’s post-whistle antics and why someone finally challenged him7:36 What the goalie fight says about Rangers toughness and team identity9:58 Adam Fox’s reaction and why moments like this matter late in the season12:24 Mika Zibanejad praise and transition into Rangers offseason talk12:45 Keith Tkachuk’s comments, Ottawa drama, and Brady Tkachuk speculation14:59 What would the Rangers give up for Brady Tkachuk?16:49 Why Brady Tkachuk could reset the Rangers’ culture18:27 Is Lafreniere, Schneider, and a 1st enough in a Brady deal?20:08 Why everyone assumes Brady eventually leaves Ottawa21:26 Could the Devils get involved if Brady Tkachuk becomes available?24:13 Devils talk begins: is Nico Hischier taking enough blame?26:07 Nico’s offense, leadership, and what New Jersey really needs from him28:12 Nico Hischier vs. Brock Nelson debate31:42 Are the Devils built properly and where do they go from here?36:15 Devils front office structure, Tom Fitzgerald, and president of hockey ops talk40:47 Fitzgerald family ties to the Tkachuks and what that could mean43:13 Islanders segment begins43:36 Islanders vibes, physicality, and where things stand in the playoff race45:15 Remaining schedule breakdown and how tough the road is for the Isles49:11 Should Ilya Sorokin start every remaining game?51:52 Listener voicemail: can the Islanders still make it?53:05 J.S. Giguere’s 2003 playoff run and how dominant it really was59:31 Matthew Schaefer question: what does his prime look like?1:00:33 Schaefer player comparisons and long-term ceiling1:06:57 Why Schaefer’s production is so absurd for a defenseman1:08:39 Calder talk and why the race might not even be close1:09:07 Bet365 read and Islanders pick vs. Flyers1:10:23 Final thoughts and wrap-upPresented by bet365

On Episode 36 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple welcome a very special guest — Hockey Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup Champion Scott Niedermayer. The legendary defenseman joins the show to reflect on his incredible NHL career, from winning multiple Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils to capturing Olympic gold with Team Canada. Niedermayer shares stories from the Devils’ fierce rivalry with the New York Rangers, the culture built under Lou Lamoriello, and what made those championship teams so successful. He also discusses his transition from playing to working in hockey operations with the Anaheim Ducks, how today’s NHL analytics compare to the game in his era, and what it was like competing in some of the most intense playoff battles of the 1990s and 2000s. Plus, the guys dive into Devils history, legendary moments from the Rangers-Devils rivalry, and some unforgettable stories from Niedermayer’s playing days.Timestamps: 0:00 Intro & Scott Niedermayer Joins the Show 1:23 Niedermayer on Retirement & Life in British Columbia2:07 Working With the Anaheim Ducks Front Office 3:08 Niedermayer on NHL Analytics & Learning the Modern Game 4:32 Old-School Hockey Thinking vs Analytics 5:22 Lou Lamoriello’s Impact on the Devils Culture 6:28 Draft Day Memories & Getting Picked by New Jersey 7:47 Lou’s Late-Season Coaching Change History 8:22 Larry Robinson Taking Over Behind the Bench 9:43 Niedermayer’s Suspension Story 10:12 His Competitive Edge & Losing His Temper 11:09 Junior Hockey Story & MCL Injury Incident 12:40 Devils–Rangers Rivalry Stories 13:11 Scotty Gomez Story From the Rangers Rivalry 14:12 What the 1994 Rangers Series Was Like From the Devils Side 15:21 Mark Messier’s Game 6 Guarantee Discussion 16:34 Bobby Holik Stories & Revisiting Hockey History 18:02 The Rangers Jersey-Kick Story 19:27 Breaking Down the Devils’ 1995 Stanley Cup Team 21:44 How the 2000 Devils Team Was Different 23:00 The Core That Led to the 2003 Stanley Cup 26:30 What Made Those Devils Teams So Hard to Beat 29:40 Winning the Cup in Anaheim With His Brother 34:14 Herb Brooks Stories From New Jersey 36:01 “Legs Feed the Wolf” Story From Herb Brooks 37:08 Could Niedermayer Play 40 Minutes in Today’s NHL? 42:30 Niedermayer Interview Wraps Up 43:10 Devils Discussion & Listener Voicemails Begin 46:38 Why Carolina Gives the Devils Trouble 52:10 Hurricanes Style of Play Discussion 59:30 Devils Playoff Outlook Conversation 1:07:40 Islanders & Metro Division Talk 1:14:15 Rangers Discussion Around the Metro Race 1:22:04 Brendan Othmann Discussion 1:22:58 Tri-State Competition Update 1:23:05 Game of the Night Presented by bet365 1:23:55 Show Wrap Up Presented by bet365!

On Episode 36 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple break down another wild week across the New York hockey scene, starting with the Islanders’ massive win over the Dallas Stars and the maddening inconsistency that continues to define their playoff push. The guys dive into Ilya Sorokin’s Vezina-worthy season, Matthew Schaefer’s growing impact on the blue line, the difference between New York’s best and worst performances, and whether Sorokin should be getting even more league-wide recognition.They also get into the Islanders’ defensive issues, backup goaltending concerns, Tony DeAngelo’s fit, and more fan voicemail reactions from Long Island. Later, the conversation shifts to the Devils, with a look at their overtime record, leadership questions, and frustrations surrounding a season that still feels like it left points on the table. Presented by Novig.Timestamps0:12 Intro / Welcome to Episode 360:31 Rangers eliminated, Devils win again, Islanders beat Dallas0:48 Islanders’ huge win over the Stars2:06 Rupp on the Islanders simplifying their game3:41 Matthew Schaefer’s impact keeps growing4:09 Rupp’s nitpick on Schaefer’s one-knee defensive habit7:03 Shot blocking stories from Rupp and Jonny10:25 Islanders voicemail: why do their performances swing so much?11:42 Why this Islanders team is so stressful to watch12:25 Why bad teams can be tougher than contenders down the stretch17:24 Did Sorokin make the Dallas win look cleaner than it was?20:05 Barzal, risk management, and cleaning up the Islanders’ game22:31 Voicemail: should Sorokin be the Vezina favorite?23:10 How Vezina voting actually works26:11 Sorokin’s advanced stats and “goalie steal” numbers28:18 Sorokin vs. Vasilevskiy and the value debate31:52 Does making the playoffs matter in Vezina voting?36:43 Voicemail: Tony DeAngelo, Bridgeport, and the move to Hamilton38:13 How AHL affiliation works for NHL teams39:35 Tony DeAngelo’s fit with the Islanders40:11 Arthur addresses the Tony DeAngelo / Canadiens chirping chatter41:08 Best chirps and on-ice trash talk stories46:50 Chris from Hicksville voicemail on the Islanders’ flaws and identity48:20 Looking back on iconic late-season Islanders memories52:31 Why the Islanders’ flaws may still be survivable with Sorokin54:18 Devils voicemail: loser points, leadership, and slow starts55:33 Devils’ OT record and leadership conversation begins#TriStateHockey #NewYorkIslanders #Islanders #NewYorkRangers #Rangers #NewJerseyDevils #Devils #NHL #HockeyPodcast #JonnyLazarus #MikeRupp #ArthurStaple #IlyaSorokin

On Episode 35 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple dig into a huge stretch run across the New York hockey landscape, with the New York Islanders taking center stage after a massive bounce-back win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The guys break down Ilya Sorokin’s Vezina-caliber season, Matthew Schaefer’s standout late-game defending, the Islanders’ blue line decisions, and whether Tony DeAngelo could be a long-term fit on Long Island. They also get into Mathew Barzal showing some fire in Montreal, the ongoing confusion around goalie interference, and what it all means for the Islanders’ playoff push.Later, the conversation shifts to the New Jersey Devils, where the focus turns to Sheldon Keefe, the team’s form down the stretch, and whether coaching should even be part of the offseason conversation.To close the show, the guys discuss Mika Zibanejad skating in his 1000th NHL game, revisit the trade that brought him to New York, and reflect on where he belongs in Rangers history.Presented by Novig.Timestamps0:00 Intro0:12 Welcome to Episode 350:33 Islanders bounce back with huge win over Columbus1:05 What the Islanders proved in a must-win spot3:31 Islanders back above the playoff cut line4:18 Tattoo bet and Islanders logo talk4:58 Is Ilya Sorokin locking up the Vezina?7:43 Islanders blue line adjustments and Matthew Schaefer’s impact10:09 Tony DeAngelo’s fit and future on Long Island15:14 Mathew Barzal showing fire vs. Montreal19:23 How the Islanders are changing post-Lou Lamoriello21:00 Patrick Roy’s offside challenge and why it caused debate22:19 The latest NHL goalie interference confusion28:39 Voicemail from Chris in Hicksville30:08 Victor Eklund and whether the Islanders should bring him over now33:18 Does Sorokin need the playoffs to win the Vezina?36:07 Are Sheldon Keefe’s final games deciding his future in New Jersey?41:40 If not Keefe, who would even make sense for the Devils?46:31 How much say do players really have in exit meetings?48:56 Keith Yandle’s hilarious J.T. Miller exit meeting story50:10 Mika Zibanejad skates in his 1000th NHL game51:11 Looking back at the Mika Zibanejad trade53:43 Where Mika ranks in Rangers history57:25 What makes Mika such an important Ranger#TriStateHockey #NewYorkIslanders #Islanders #NewYorkRangers #Rangers #NewJerseyDevils #Devils #NHL #HockeyPodcast #JonnyLazarus #MikeRupp #ArthurStaple #IlyaSorokin #MikaZibanejad

Episode 33 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, presented by Novig, features Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple breaking down the latest around the Islanders, Devils, and Rangers before being joined by special guest Peter Laviolette.The guys open with a major night for Matthew Schaefer as he returns to Toronto with a massive crowd of support behind him, and what that moment means both personally and in the context of the Islanders’ playoff push. They also dive into Semyon Varlamov’s emotional return to the ice and what it signals about the end of his career.From there, the conversation shifts to the Devils, focusing on team identity, players standing up for one another, and what positives can still be taken from a season that’s slipped away, including Jack Hughes’ recent surge.Then, Peter Laviolette joins the show for an in-depth interview on coaching culture, leadership, the pressure of New York, and what really goes on behind the scenes in an NHL locker room.Timestamps:0:00 Intro / Episode 33 begins1:05 Matthew Schaefer’s return to Toronto and massive support crowd3:00 The pressure and significance of Schaefer’s big moment5:10 Islanders playoff race and importance of every game7:55 Semyon Varlamov returns to the ice after major surgeries9:30 What Varlamov means to the Islanders organization11:00 The importance of closure for players nearing retirement12:25 Devils discussion: team identity and sticking up for teammates14:30 Why playing for each other still matters late in the season16:00 Jack Hughes’ recent surge and impact on the Devils18:00 What Devils fans should watch for down the stretch21:55 Rangers discussion and Artemi Panarin storyline25:30 Peter Laviolette joins the show31:00 Laviolette on Rangers culture and playoff run40:00 Coaching philosophy, leadership, and handling adversity46:00 Olympic experience and USA Hockey growth48:30 Laviolette on USA Hockey development and grassroots impact51:00 The evolution of American players in the NHL53:30 Laviolette on coaching staff, assistants, and building a bench56:00 Dan Muse’s rise and coaching impact58:30 What makes a great NHL assistant coach1:01:00 Final thoughts with Laviolette1:03:00 Episode wrap-upPresented by Novig

Episode 32 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, presented by No Vig, is a full voicemail edition as Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple let the listeners drive the conversation. The guys open with a Rangers-heavy discussion on Chris Drury’s lack of visibility with the fanbase before diving into Alexis Lafrenière’s recent offensive surge, what’s real, what’s situational, and whether his chemistry with Gabe Perreault could be a meaningful sign for the future. They also shift to the Devils and break down Jack Hughes’ recent growth as a leader following his Olympic experience, what Sheldon Keefe had to say about it, and why winning at a high level can change a player’s voice inside a room. Then the show turns heavily toward the Islanders, with multiple voicemails focused on Mathieu Darche, the Brayden Schenn trade, J.G. Pageau’s extension, prospect timelines, roster flexibility, and whether Mathew Barzal is part of the problem on the power play or still central to the solution. A fun, opinionated, fan-driven episode with strong debate from all three hosts.Timestamps:0:00 Intro / Episode 32 voicemail edition begins0:58 Rangers voicemail: Why doesn’t Chris Drury talk directly to fans?7:40 Rangers voicemail: Alexis Lafrenière’s production without Artemi Panarin8:50 Jonny breaks down why Lafrenière’s recent run needs context13:13 Gabe Perreault’s emergence and what it could mean for Lafrenière’s future16:19 Did the Rangers mishandle Lafrenière’s development on the power play?19:07 Devils discussion: Jack Hughes’ leadership jump after the Olympics21:17 Why learning how to win matters for elite young stars27:19 Jack Hughes, leadership, and what it really means to be a veteran31:44 Islanders voicemail: Why is there backlash to Mathieu Darche’s deadline?36:48 Are the Islanders’ future draft picks trade chips or keepers?41:33 Islanders voicemail: Will Schenn/Pageau block the path for young players?48:49 Islanders voicemail: Is Mathew Barzal actually hurting the power play?50:27 Why the power play may need to run through Mathew Schaefer53:18 Islanders power-play predictability and the missing shooting threat56:31 Final voicemail: Should the Islanders keep all of their top prospects?Presented by Novig

The Tri-State Hockey Podcast welcomes its first ever guest, as New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche joins Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple to break down the Islanders’ trade deadline moves, the decision to acquire Brayden Schenn, and how the organization is pushing toward the playoffs. Darche dives into his philosophy as a first-year GM, why players are increasingly willing to waive no-trade clauses to come to Long Island, and how the emergence of young star Matthew Schaefer has accelerated the team’s timeline.The guys also discuss extending Jean-Gabriel Pageau, the leadership of Anders Lee, building a playoff-ready roster, and what Darche learned from his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning during their Stanley Cup runs. Plus, Jonny gets called out as a Long Island “traitor” for being a Rangers fan… and reveals a wild bet that he’ll get an Islanders sleeve tattoo if the Isles win the Stanley Cup.Timestamps0:00 – Intro & first ever Tri-State Hockey Podcast guest 0:35 – Islanders trade deadline & acquiring Brayden Schenn 3:08 – Jonny the Long Islander… who cheers for the Rangers 5:33 – Darche’s first NHL trade deadline as GM 9:37 – College hockey scouting & the development pipeline 14:07 – Extending Jean-Gabriel Pageau & building the roster 18:22 – Darche’s management style & Islanders culture 21:47 – Lessons learned from Tampa Bay’s Cup teams 33:49 – Jonny’s Islanders tattoo bet if they win the CupPresented by Novig

Episode 30 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast is all about NHL Trade Deadline Day. Jonny Lazarus is joined by Mike Rupp and Arthur Staple as the trio dives into what to expect from the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils as the clock ticks toward the deadline. Will the Rangers hang on to Vinny? Could the Islanders shake things up to stay in the race? And are the Devils buyers, sellers, or somewhere in between? The guys break down the latest buzz, potential moves, and the biggest storylines surrounding the Tri-State teams on one of the most chaotic days on the NHL calendar. Presented by Novig