Tri-State Hockey Podcast

Episode 58 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast is here as Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple and Mike Rupp break down the latest from New York Rangers, New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils training camps and preseason action. The guys start with Semyon Varlamov’s emotional return to the Islanders crease after 662 days away and what a healthy Varlamov could mean behind Ilya Sorokin this season. Then, the conversation shifts to the Devils and their fascinating approach to goaltending, including Jake Allen, Nico Daws, the decision to move on from Jacob Markstrom and whether New Jersey should be willing to spend significant assets on a goalie like Connor Hellebuyck. Plus, Anton Silayev continues to make noise at Devils camp, Albert Schmitz makes his case for the Rangers, Pavel Dorofeyev’s shot gives New York another dangerous weapon, and the Islanders’ power play looks different with Matthew Schaefer running the show. The guys also discuss Scott Mayfield, Mathew Barzal, Brayden Schenn, Braden Schneider’s future with the Rangers, Chris Drury’s job security, the atmosphere surrounding the Rangers organization and much more before answering your Tri-State voicemails.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Episode 58 Intro1:00 - Semyon Varlamov Returns After 662 Days3:47 - The Devils' Goaltending Philosophy5:19 - Is Connor Hellebuyck Still an Option for New Jersey?13:17 - Is the NHL Moving Away From Expensive Goalies?18:09 - Anton Silayev Making Noise at Devils Camp20:38 - Albert Schmitz Impresses for the Rangers27:53 - Pavel Dorofeyev's Shot & Rangers Offence29:25 - Scott Mayfield Fighting for His Islanders Role32:12 - Matthias Maccelli's Opportunity with the Islanders34:29 - Matthew Schaefer Takes Over the Islanders Power Play42:06 - Tri-State Voicemails42:21 - Brayden Schenn's Role & the Anders Lee Debate48:41 - What Happens With Braden Schneider?55:12 - Is Chris Drury's Job in Jeopardy?56:33 - What's Missing From the Rangers Organization?1:01:56 - Chris Kreider & the Rangers Locker Room Narrative1:04:50 - Bet365 Bet of the Day & OutroPresented by bet365

On Episode 57 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, Arthur Staple and Mike Rupp are holding down the fort with Jonny Lazarus away for this episode — but don’t worry, Jonny will return for the next show. Arthur and Rupp are joined by legendary broadcaster Kenny Albert for a wide-ranging conversation about his incredible career calling hockey, football, baseball and basketball, taking over as the television voice of the New York Rangers following Sam Rosen, and some of his greatest memories from Madison Square Garden. Kenny takes the guys behind the scenes of calling the Olympic gold medal game between the United States and Canada, including Jack Hughes’ golden goal, how he prepares for iconic calls and the emotion surrounding Team USA’s victory. He also shares stories from the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup run, the history of the Rangers-Islanders-Devils rivalries, working alongside generations of New York broadcasters and what makes a player a natural fit for a future career in broadcasting. After the interview, Arthur and Rupp break down the latest around the New Jersey Devils and Luke Evangelista, changes under the new NHL CBA, Bo Horvat being named captain of the New York Islanders, why Matthew Schaefer doesn’t need the “C” just yet and what the shortened NHL training camp and preseason could look like.TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Welcome to Episode 57 | Jonny Lazarus is away0:52 – Kenny Albert joins the show1:41 – Kenny on calling multiple sports and his broadcasting career7:21 – Taking over the Rangers TV booth after Sam Rosen12:34 – Kenny Albert’s Olympic experience13:17 – Calling the USA-Canada gold medal game17:36 – How Kenny prepares for historic calls19:24 – Planning Stanley Cup and gold medal calls21:27 – Jack Hughes’ emotional postgame interview24:37 – Rangers memories and the Centennial celebrations26:29 – Calling the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup Final28:04 – How the 1994 Cup run led to Kenny meeting his wife31:43 – Rangers, Islanders and Devils rivalry stories35:31 – Which NHL players could become broadcasters?42:14 – Wrapping up with Kenny Albert43:51 – Luke Evangelista’s deal and the new NHL CBA46:31 – Latest around the Devils and NHL training camps46:50 – Bo Horvat named Islanders captain47:44 – Why Matthew Schaefer doesn’t need the captaincy yet50:47 – How teams will approach the shortened training camp52:50 – Does the NHL even need preseason games?53:52 – Final thoughts and outroPresented by bet365

On Episode 56 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple and Mike Rupp get ready for the start of NHL training camps by breaking down the biggest storylines around the Rangers, Islanders and Devils. The guys debate whether the New York Islanders did enough this offseason, how wide open the Metropolitan Division could be, and where Chris Kreider could land after becoming an unrestricted free agent — including potential fits with the Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils and more. They also dive deep into Quinn Hughes’ future with the Minnesota Wild, his latest comments about taking his time with his contract decision, the possibility of eventually joining his brothers in New Jersey, and whether Minnesota could be forced to trade him during the season. Plus, the crew reacts to the Devils adding Luke Evangelista, what his next contract could look like, whether New Jersey is tough enough to contend, and the Rangers’ low-risk addition of Eeli Tolvanen as training camp approaches.TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Intro / Episode 560:52 — Jonny’s growing Islanders fandom1:17 — Did the Islanders miss an opportunity this offseason?2:27 — Can the Islanders still be a playoff team?3:27 — Why the Metropolitan Division remains wide open4:45 — Aggressive NHL front offices and roster turnover7:20 — Chris Kreider becomes an unrestricted free agent8:00 — Would Kreider make sense for the Islanders?9:33 — Why signing Kreider could block Islanders prospects10:18 — Could Kreider fit with the Devils, Bruins or Canadiens?11:40 — Does Kreider want to join a Stanley Cup contender?13:51 — Could Chris Kreider ever return to the Rangers?16:16 — Why NHL fan bases struggle to move on from former players17:15 — Predicting where Chris Kreider will sign19:28 — Quinn Hughes’ latest comments on his future20:41 — Why Hughes has all the leverage with Minnesota22:17 — Reading into Quinn Hughes’ comments23:26 — The full Quinn Hughes quote24:08 — Wild fans vs. Devils fans: what do the comments actually mean?24:48 — Could Hughes simply wait until free agency?25:34 — Why a trade directly to New Jersey may not make sense26:31 — Does Hughes need to see more from the Wild first?27:36 — Ranking the most likely Quinn Hughes outcomes29:41 — Devils acquire Luke Evangelista30:24 — What Evangelista adds to New Jersey’s lineup31:07 — Evangelista’s next contract could become expensive31:44 — Are the Devils too small up front?32:19 — Why New Jersey needs to become harder to play against34:33 — Where Evangelista fits in the Devils lineup and power play36:08 — What could Luke Evangelista’s next contract look like?37:48 — Rangers add Eeli Tolvanen: low risk, high reward?38:15 — What Tolvanen needs to prove in New York40:05 — Can Tolvanen secure a Rangers roster spot?41:13 — Final thoughts41:57 — Bet365 and closing remarks42:16 — Remembering the 25th anniversary of September 1142:34 — Jonny’s Islanders experience and closing thoughts43:02 — OutroPresented by bet365

Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple, and Mike Rupp are back for Episode 55 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, joined by longtime New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock. Pulock talks about the changing Islanders locker room, life under Peter DeBoer, Matthew Schaefer’s incredible rise, the bond between the Islanders’ longtime core, his career on Long Island, and much more. After the interview, the guys hit your voicemails and break down the Devils’ coaching situation and pressure on Sheldon Keefe, whether Vladimir Tarasenko makes sense for the Rangers, the importance of J.T. Miller, and what the Islanders need from Ilya Sorokin and their goaltending this season. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro 0:32 – Ryan Pulock joins the show 2:52 – Peter DeBoer and the Islanders’ new direction5:46 – Matthew Schaefer’s impact 6:38 – What makes the Islanders’ core so close? 9:28 – Stories from the NHL bubble 18:28 – The Matthew Schaefer experience 22:34 – Pulock on his game and future 27:21 – Developing his slap shot31:45 – Defending 2-on-1s 35:07 – How the Islanders organization has changed 39:23 – Reacting to the Pulock interview 48:30 – Mike Rupp’s Devils acting career 54:35 – Breaking into the sports industry 56:38 – Voicemails begin 56:52 – Devils: Sheldon Keefe on the hot seat? 1:03:54 – Rangers: J.T. Miller & Vladimir Tarasenko 1:16:43 – Islanders: Sorokin, Varlamov & expectations 1:23:30 – Bet of the Day & wrap-upPresented by bet365#TriStateHockey #NHL #Hockey #NYR #NJDevils #Isles #NewYorkRangers #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #QuinnHughes #DylanLarkin #AdamFox #MatthewSchaefer #MetropolitanDivision

Johnny Lazarus, Arthur Staple, and Mike Rupp are back for Episode 54 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast to debate some of the biggest questions surrounding the Rangers, Islanders, Devils, and the Metropolitan Division heading into the 2026-27 NHL season. The guys react to the NHL Network’s Top 20 defensemen rankings, including Adam Fox being left outside the top 10, Matthew Schaefer landing at No. 7, Lane Hutson’s rise, Evan Bouchard, Charlie McAvoy, and more. Then, they break down Jason Demers’ early Metro Division predictions and give their own 1-through-8 rankings, debating where the New York Rangers and Islanders stack up against the Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Plus, the crew answers your voicemails, including whether Dylan Larkin could be a fit with the Devils, what Detroit could possibly get back in a trade, whether Quinn Hughes would give New Jersey or Minnesota the better Stanley Cup window, and the latest debate over Hughes’ future with the Wild. Could Quinn eventually join Jack and Luke Hughes in New Jersey? Does Minnesota need to get an extension done before the season begins? All that and more on a new Tri-State Hockey Podcast.TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Episode 541:00 — NHL Network’s Top 20 Defensemen1:24 — Adam Fox OUTSIDE the Top 10?!1:50 — Is Matthew Schaefer already the No. 7 defenseman?5:33 — Lane Hutson’s rise & how NHL Network rankings are made8:29 — Adam Fox, Rangers bias & what makes an elite defenseman15:32 — Biggest snubs & future Top 20 defensemen18:02 — Adam Fox vs. Evan Bouchard20:48 — Luke Hughes prediction21:25 — WAY-too-early Metropolitan Division rankings28:02 — Johnny’s Metro Division predictions31:35 — Arthur’s Metro Division predictions33:08 — Mike’s Metro Division predictions33:30 — Could the Atlantic send five teams to the playoffs?36:19 — VOICEMAILS: Could Dylan Larkin be traded to the Devils?37:07 — What would New Jersey give up for Larkin?41:04 — Can Detroit enter training camp with Larkin still there?45:05 — Quinn Hughes: Devils vs. Wild — who has the better future?47:03 — Would Quinn make New Jersey a Stanley Cup favourite?52:07 — Will Quinn Hughes sign an extension with Minnesota?55:02 — Would a one-year Quinn Hughes extension make sense?58:59 — Could Quinn eventually join Jack & Luke Hughes in New Jersey?1:03:33 — Would acquiring Dylan Larkin convince Quinn to stay?1:06:27 — What happens next with Quinn Hughes?1:07:00 — Final thoughts & wrap-upPresented by bet365#TriStateHockey #NHL #Hockey #NYR #NJDevils #Isles #NewYorkRangers #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #QuinnHughes #DylanLarkin #AdamFox #MatthewSchaefer #MetropolitanDivision

Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple and Mike Rupp are back for Episode 53 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast to break down the biggest storylines surrounding the New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers and New York Islanders as the NHL offseason continues. The guys open the show by discussing Vincent Trocheck's recent comments about choosing the Rangers because of Artemi Panarin, leading to a conversation about whether New York still has the star power to attract elite free agents. They examine Chris Drury's offseason, the perception surrounding the Rangers organization, and what the franchise must do to become a destination again. The conversation then shifts to a debate over the NHL's best center duos after a recent ranking left both the Rangers and Islanders outside the top tiers. The crew explains why Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier deserve to be among the league's elite pairings, compares Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller against Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal, and discusses where each Tri-State team stacks up down the middle. Later, the guys answer listener questions, including what the Islanders need from Brayden Schenn and Ondřej Palát to justify last season's trade deadline moves, whether Bo Horvat or Mathew Barzal is more valuable moving forward, and if Dawson Mercer should already be locked into a long-term extension with the Devils. Finally, they discuss the NHL's rising salary cap, how the next wave of superstar contracts could reshape the league, and which teams are best positioned for long-term success before wrapping up the show with their Bet365 Bet of the Day and final thoughts. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Vinny Trocheck & Artemi Panarin's impact 14:54 Rangers expectations heading into next season 16:54 Ranking the NHL's best center duos 26:26 Islanders mailbag: Brayden Schenn, Ondřej Palát & Horvat vs. Barzal 33:38 Should the Devils extend Dawson Mercer? 40:07 NHL salary cap boom & the next generation of superstar contracts 45:17 Shoulder Check Showcase & Bet365 Bet of the Day 47:04 Final thoughts Presented by bet365

NHL Free Agency is officially behind us, and it's time to break down what it all means for the Metro Division.On Episode 51 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, Jonny Lazarus and Mike Rupp dive into the New Jersey Devils' aggressive offseason, the New York Rangers' biggest additions and remaining questions, and whether the New York Islanders have done enough to stay in the playoff picture.The guys discuss Nico Hischier's extension, the Jacob Markstrom trade, the Devils' Barrett Hayton offer sheet, the Rangers' revamped roster, power play options, playoff expectations, the Islanders' quiet offseason, Anders Lee's departure, Patrick Laine as a potential fit, and much more.Who had the best offseason in the Metro? Let us know in the comments!Presented by bet365Timestamps0:00 Intro0:47 First impressions of NHL Free Agency1:47 Jacob Markstrom trade reaction2:46 Devils offseason begins with Nico's extension6:50 Barrett Hayton offer sheet discussion11:30 Dawson Mercer & Devils' remaining moves19:50 Farewell to Pavel Zacha.../Holtz discussion & Devils wrap-up20:55 Rangers free agency overview27:20 Rangers' biggest additions32:50 Rebuilding the Rangers power play37:30 Are the Rangers just a middle-of-the-pack team?39:40 Is the Eastern Conference actually weak?42:30 Metro Division playoff race predictions44:25 Islanders offseason review45:40 Should the Islanders target Patrick Laine?46:30 Anders Lee's departure and youth movement49:05 Islanders playoff outlook50:40 Matthew Schaefer story from the Draft52:05 Final Islanders thoughts54:35 Stanley Cup odds & final predictions55:45 OutroReach out to sales@thenationnetwork.com to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us!

Welcome to Episode 50 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast! Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple, and Stanley Cup Champion Mike Rupp reunite to tackle some of the biggest questions facing hockey in the New York market and across the NHL. The show kicks off with a thought-provoking voicemail from a concerned Rangers fan asking whether the New York Rangers are still viewed as a premier destination for star players and whether criticism surrounding Chris Drury is beginning to impact the organization's reputation. The crew dives deep into the changing landscape of player empowerment, discusses the Rangers' current direction, and examines what the future could hold for some of the NHL's biggest stars.The conversation also explores the state of the New York Islanders, their front office changes, organizational direction, and whether they could be emerging as a more attractive destination than their rivals across town. Plus, the guys break down the outlook for the New Jersey Devils, discuss roster-building philosophies around the league, debate how teams stay competitive in today's NHL, and answer listener questions in a wide-ranging offseason edition of the podcast. If you're a Rangers, Islanders, Devils, or NHL fan, this is an episode you won't want to miss.00:00 Intro01:13 Rangers Fan Voicemail: Chris Drury Concerns08:35 Are the Rangers Still a Destination Team?17:45 Star Player Empowerment & NHL Destinations27:10 Rangers Offseason Outlook36:25 Islanders Direction & Expectations45:30 Devils Discussion53:15 Summer Plans for the Podcast57:00 Final ThoughtsPresented by bet355👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more Tri-State Hockey Podcast content!