Tri-State Hockey Podcast

Episode 43 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast is here as Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple, and Mike Rupp dive into a full New Jersey Devils season postmortem and what comes next for the franchise. The guys break down the early Stanley Cup Playoff storylines, including the dominance of the Philadelphia Flyers and what it reveals about structure, defense, and rush chances. They then shift focus to the Devils, reacting to Sunny Mehta’s introductory press conference, his analytics-plus-intuition philosophy, and what it means for the organization moving forward. From coaching uncertainty around Sheldon Keefe to roster decisions, defensive concerns, and fan expectations, this episode covers every angle of a pivotal offseason in New Jersey.00:00 Intro + Devils Season Postmortem 00:38 Flyers Dominance & Early Playoff Takeaways 02:06 Why Structure Wins in the Playoffs 03:54 Pressure on Metro Teams 05:03 Devils Identity Problem (Rush vs Playoffs) 07:48 Devils Without Jack Hughes 09:24 Key Stat Issue: Rebounds & Retrieval 10:47 Goaltending Gap vs Contenders 11:10 Sunny Mehta Hiring Reaction (Jersey John) 12:24 Fan Excitement + First Impressions 13:02 Mehta as a Devils Fan 16:07 Analytics vs Human Element Debate 18:02 Mehta’s Vision for the Devils20:17 Front Office & Offseason Priorities 23:44 Nico Hischier Extension Talk 25:49 Coaching Debate: Sheldon Keefe 28:18 New GM = New Coach? 30:30 Coaching Market Options33:14 Devils Late-Season Offensive Surge 35:17 Risk of Another Slow Start 37:21 Devils Defense Concerns 39:46 Dougie Hamilton Decision 41:52 Luke Hughes Expectations 42:33 Simon Nemec Debate43:24 Trade Options & Cap Reality 47:10 Risk of Paying Young Defensemen 49:10 Offseason Plan + Final ThoughtsPresented by bet365

The Rangers’ season is officially over, and that means it’s time for a full post-mortem. On Episode 42 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast presented by bet365, Jonny Lazarus is joined by Arthur Staple and Mike Rupp to break down everything that went wrong for the New York Rangers this season. From the early-season offensive struggles and major injuries to questions about the team’s leadership, roster construction, and front-office direction, the guys take a deep dive into how the year unraveled.They also debate what comes next for the Rangers — including whether the team should trade a potential top draft pick, the future of Vincent Trocheck, possible offseason trade targets, and whether the organization needs a major roster reset or just a few strategic moves. Plus, the guys react to fan voicemails about the team’s direction and discuss potential free-agent fits that could reshape the Rangers lineup next season.Presented by bet365Chapters0:00 Intro — Rangers season officially over0:12 Setting up the Rangers post-mortem0:54 Arthur Staple on the bizarre season and early struggles2:40 Offensive issues and injuries derail the year4:41 Late-season positives and what they mean5:11 Are the Rangers actually closer than they appear?6:16 Mike Rupp’s positives from the season8:15 Voicemail: Should the Rangers trade their top draft pick?9:32 Debating a potential blockbuster trade for a star forward12:02 Rangers roster timeline and long-term contracts15:17 Are the Rangers stuck between competing and rebuilding?18:20 Debate: Building around stars vs improving depth21:01 What if J.T. Miller regresses next season?24:10 Looking at Rangers production after Christmas27:22 Voicemail: Should the Rangers keep Vincent Trocheck?29:29 Trocheck trade value and offseason decisions33:04 Could the Rangers keep Trocheck into next season?35:23 Why the Rangers still aren’t a playoff team yet40:56 Why Braden Schneider might be the most likely trade piece43:09 Free-agent and trade targets for the Rangers48:24 Could bringing back Mats Zuccarello make sense?

Episode 41 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast is a full-on postmortem for the Islanders, Devils, and Rangers after all three teams officially miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple react to the Islanders’ collapse, debate whether major roster surgery is finally coming to Long Island, and dig into the criticism surrounding Matthew Darsch, Ilya Sorokin, Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, and the trade-deadline additions. The guys then shift to New Jersey to talk about the Devils’ line combinations, Connor Brown’s fit, Dawson Mercer’s future, and the team’s goaltending plan heading into next season. They wrap things up with a great conversation on Jonathan Quick’s career, retirement, and legacy, plus some Rangers talk, Gabe Perreault contract chatter, and the usual chaos to close the show.0:00 Intro1:25 Joey from Long Island sets the tone3:07 Islanders collapse reaction10:10 Matthew Darsch criticism and fan frustration19:00 Should the Islanders consider moving Ilya Sorokin?29:10 Which Islanders pieces could be moved this summer?42:35 Final Islanders voicemail and Brayden Schenn debate55:21 Matthew Schaefer as the lone bright spot57:17 Devils voicemail: should New Jersey keep the current top line together?1:00:20 Devils line combos, Dawson Mercer, and top-six needs1:07:42 Devils goaltending outlook for next season1:12:23 Jesper Bratt, Devils positives, and what still works1:17:01 Jonathan Quick retirement discussion and legacy1:25:35 Gabe Perreault contract talk and Rangers future1:28:02 Jonny gets recruited for roller hockey1:30:05 Final Rangers note, dinner bet payoff, and closing thoughtsPresented by @bet365ca #bet365#TriStateHockey #NewYorkIslanders #NYRangers #NJDevils #NHL #HockeyPodcast #JonnyLazarus #ArthurStaple #MikeRupp #bet365

Episode 40 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, presented by bet365, features Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple, and Mike Rupp breaking down a huge week for all three local teams. The guys start with the New York Islanders and the early impact of Pete DeBoer behind the bench, including what changed in the win over Toronto, the importance of Tony DeAngelo, Kyle Ritchie’s growing role, Matthew Schaefer’s rise, and what the playoff push means for the organization. Then the conversation shifts to the New York Rangers as the crew digs into the criticism surrounding J.T. Miller, what captaincy in New York really means, lineup construction questions, and how injuries may have shaped the season more than people realize. They wrap with a deep dive into the New Jersey Devils’ GM search, analytics in front offices, roster-building philosophy, and what the next decision means for Sheldon Keefe and the future in Jersey. Presented by bet365 — whatever the moment, it’s never ordinary.Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:14 Islanders win under Pete DeBoer + voicemail reaction 07:23 Kyle Ritchie’s fit with Barzal and Schenn 11:49 Islanders’ youth leading the way: Ritchie and Matthew Schaefer 15:18 Max Shabanov and fresh opportunities under DeBoer 17:06 Fan expectations and the pressure around a coaching change 20:42 Barzal’s comments on neutral-zone possession and second-wave offense 23:32 Matthew Schaefer’s spotlight and handling the attention 26:10 Rangers voicemail: J.T. Miller criticism and captaincy debate 31:28 Arthur Staple on leadership, pressure, and learning as Rangers captain 34:27 Olympic experience, leadership growth, and what winning teaches players 36:25 Rangers roster construction: J.T. at center, top-six needs, and bottom-six fit 43:14 How injuries, especially Vincent Trocheck’s, shaped the Rangers’ season 46:12 Devils GM search begins: possible candidates and front-office direction 50:05 Should New Jersey hire an analytics-driven GM? 59:42 What the Devils’ numbers actually say about their roster needs 1:06:39 Frozen Four prospect notes, bet365 read, and Islanders pick 1:08:26 End Presented by @bet365ca #bet365 #TriStateHockey #NewYorkIslanders #NYRangers #NJDevils #NHL #HockeyPodcast #JonnyLazarus #ArthurStaple #MikeRupp #bet365

Episode 39 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast presented by bet365 is loaded with major Metropolitan Division storylines as Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple, and Mike Rupp break down a wild stretch of news around the Devils, Islanders, and Rangers. The guys open with reaction to the New Jersey Devils firing Tom Fitzgerald and what the timing means for the front office, Sheldon Keefe, and the future of the organization. They also dig into Jack Hughes’ growth, the Devils’ long-term ceiling, and why this team could still be closer to contention than people think. Then the conversation shifts to Long Island as the crew reacts to the Islanders hiring Pete DeBoer, what Matthew Barzal’s future could look like, and what changes may still be coming to the roster. To close the show, the guys turn to the Rangers, discussing roster questions, JT Miller, offseason trade possibilities, and the next domino to fall in New York.Presented by bet365. Subscribe for more Tri-State Hockey Podcast episodes, NHL analysis, and weekly hockey conversation with Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple, and Mike Rupp.Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome to Episode 390:12 – Tom Fitzgerald fired by the Devils1:00 – Why the Devils and Islanders made aggressive moves now2:33 – Are teams trying to jump the line on coaches and executives?4:33 – Why New Jersey moved on from Fitzgerald before season’s end6:25 – Is Sheldon Keefe next in New Jersey?7:24 – What kind of executive path could the Devils take now?10:15 – Why acting early matters around the NHL11:48 – Which job is more attractive: Devils or Islanders?14:25 – Devils outlook and why expectations should still be high18:26 – Jack Hughes’ leadership growth and what it means long-term19:48 – Can the Devils put a positive spin on this season?25:00 – Nico Hischier’s extension and why it matters this summer35:21 – Pete DeBoer’s arrival and Islanders reaction36:00 – Why “retread coach” criticism misses the point54:05 – What roster changes could still come for the Islanders?55:37 – Could Matthew Barzal actually be in play?1:13:50 – How the Rangers can still reshape the roster for next year1:15:05 – Has the criticism of JT Miller gone too far?1:18:09 – Why JT Miller is an “amplifier” for the Rangers1:20:18 – Rangers self-sabotage, adversity, and leadership questions1:21:33 – Final hot takes: what’s the next Rangers domino?1:23:03 – Jonny’s hot take on a possible Rangers trade idea1:25:14 – bet365 close#TriStateHockeyPodcast #NHL #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #JonnyLazarus #ArthurStaple #MikeRupp #PeteDeBoer #TomFitzgerald

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