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Tri-State Hockey Podcast
Episode 56: Time To Move On
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.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Intro / Episode 56
0:52 — Jonny’s growing Islanders fandom
1:17 — 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 open
4:45 — Aggressive NHL front offices and roster turnover
7:20 — Chris Kreider becomes an unrestricted free agent
8:00 — Would Kreider make sense for the Islanders?
9:33 — Why signing Kreider could block Islanders prospects
10:18 — 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 players
17:15 — Predicting where Chris Kreider will sign
19:28 — Quinn Hughes’ latest comments on his future
20:41 — Why Hughes has all the leverage with Minnesota
22:17 — Reading into Quinn Hughes’ comments
23:26 — The full Quinn Hughes quote
24:08 — 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 sense
26:31 — Does Hughes need to see more from the Wild first?
27:36 — Ranking the most likely Quinn Hughes outcomes
29:41 — Devils acquire Luke Evangelista
30:24 — What Evangelista adds to New Jersey’s lineup
31:07 — Evangelista’s next contract could become expensive
31:44 — Are the Devils too small up front?
32:19 — Why New Jersey needs to become harder to play against
34:33 — Where Evangelista fits in the Devils lineup and power play
36:08 — 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 York
40:05 — Can Tolvanen secure a Rangers roster spot?
41:13 — Final thoughts
41:57 — Bet365 and closing remarks
42:16 — Remembering the 25th anniversary of September 11
42:34 — Jonny’s Islanders experience and closing thoughts
43:02 — Outro
Presented by bet365
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63. Episode 63: Devils in TROUBLE? Rangers Respond to Shesterkin Injury
51:37||Season 1, Ep. 63Are the New Jersey Devils already in serious trouble? Can the New York Rangers overcome Igor Shesterkin's season-ending injury? On Episode 63 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple break down the biggest storylines surrounding the Devils, Rangers, and New York Islanders.The guys begin with the Devils' disappointing start to the 2026-27 NHL season following another frustrating loss to the Ottawa Senators. They examine New Jersey's struggles scoring at five-on-five, costly defensive breakdowns, and mounting pressure on head coach Sheldon Keefe. Is this simply a slow start, or are there deeper problems with the Devils' core? Plus, should New Jersey consider pursuing Quinn Hughes, and is it time to shake up the forward lines?Attention then turns to the Rangers, who are facing life without superstar goaltender Igor Shesterkin following his season-ending injury. Despite the devastating news, Mike Sullivan's team has shown encouraging signs of a new identity, improved defensive structure, and renewed confidence. The guys discuss Dylan Garand stepping into the spotlight, J.T. Miller's leadership, potential goaltending replacements, and whether the Rangers can still make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Mike Rupp also shares his experience playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.Finally, Arthur Staple provides an update on the New York Islanders following their loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The crew discusses Matthew Schaefer's incredible start, Bo Horvat's impact, Ilya Sorokin, and whether Peter DeBoer's Islanders have enough to compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.Presented by @bet365ca #bet365. Must be 19+. Please play responsibly.Subscribe to Daily Faceoff for more NHL coverage and catch new episodes of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast every Tuesday and Friday!0:00 Intro – Episode 630:35 What's Wrong With the New Jersey Devils?2:35 Devils' Five-on-Five Struggles and Sheldon Keefe's Future5:19 Mike Rupp on Why Analytics Aren't Enough8:19 Sheldon Keefe Calls Out the Devils' Stars10:18 Breaking Down New Jersey's Defensive Mistakes14:10 Why the Devils Are Falling Behind in the Eastern Conference17:50 Should the Devils Pursue Quinn Hughes?19:33 Time to Shake Up New Jersey's Forward Lines?25:57 How Can the Devils Turn Their Season Around?27:56 Devils' Tough Upcoming Schedule and Coaching Questions31:36 Rangers Respond to Igor Shesterkin's Season-Ending Injury32:59 J.T. Miller's Leadership and New York's New Identity34:52 Should the Rangers Trade for a Goaltender?36:07 Mike Rupp on Playing Without Crosby and Malkin39:10 Rangers Fan Voicemail: Can the Season Be Saved?40:05 Jonny Lazarus Makes His Case for the Rangers42:22 Mike Sullivan's Decisions and Gabe Perreault's Impact44:46 Islanders Recap: Loss to Tampa Bay and Playoff Outlook47:08 Matthew Schaefer's Highlight-Reel Goal50:24 bet365 Bet of the Night and Final Thoughts
62. Episode 62: Keefe On The Hot Seat?
01:05:46||Season 1, Ep. 62The New York Rangers are rolling, the New York Islanders are finding their groove, and the New Jersey Devils are facing some serious early-season questions! On Episode 62 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, presented by bet365, Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple break down the latest around all three Metropolitan Division rivals, answering fan voicemails and diving into the biggest storylines of the 2026-27 NHL season.The guys begin with the New York Islanders, discussing Matthew Schaefer's growing impact, Bo Horvat and the power play, Anthony Duclair's strong play, Logan Stanley's surprising start, and the difficult lineup decisions awaiting Peter DeBoer when Mathew Barzal returns. They also discuss Ilya Sorokin, Semyon Varlamov, and whether Victor Eklund could be sent to the AHL. Attention then turns to the New Jersey Devils, where Sheldon Keefe's comments about the team's defensive mistakes spark a heated discussion about Jack Hughes, Luke Hughes, New Jersey's lack of defensive accountability, and whether Keefe could find himself on the hot seat if things don't improve. Finally, the guys break down the New York Rangers' impressive start, potential interest in Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin, what an Alexis Lafrenière trade could look like, whether the Rangers are legitimate Stanley Cup contenders, and the development of young defenseman Albert Schmitz.Plus, fan voicemails, plenty of laughs, and much more from around the NHL!Presented by bet365. 19+. Please play responsibly.Subscribe to Daily Faceoff for more Tri-State Hockey Podcast episodes, NHL analysis, breaking news, and coverage of the Rangers, Islanders, and Devils.#NYR #Isles #NJDevils #NHL #TriStateHockey #bet36500:00 Intro – Episode 6202:35 Islanders Power Play & Matthew Schaefer09:47 Who Comes Out When Mathew Barzal Returns?13:07 Logan Stanley's Impressive Start16:22 Semyon Varlamov, Ilya Sorokin & Islanders Defence24:09 Mike Rupp Defends His Luke Hughes Prediction28:10 New Jersey Devils – Sheldon Keefe's Frustrations32:04 Breaking Down the Devils' Defensive Mistakes34:37 Jack Hughes' Defensive Struggles36:55 Is Sheldon Keefe Losing the Locker Room?42:20 Could the Devils Make a Coaching Change?44:28 Devils Fan Voicemail & Controversial Whistle Rule46:37 New York Rangers – Strong Start & Trade Needs48:20 Dylan Larkin to the Rangers? Lafrenière Trade Talk54:52 Are the Rangers Stanley Cup Contenders?59:47 Should Albert Schmitz Play in the AHL?01:03:31 Islanders' Heineman Goal Breakdown01:04:34 Final Thoughts & bet365 Pick
61. Episode 61: Rangers Rolling & Islanders Dominate Devils
48:11||Season 1, Ep. 61The guys begin with an all-time voicemail from an Islanders fan before diving into another dominant Islanders performance against the Devils. They discuss what has made the Islanders so difficult for New Jersey to handle, Victor Eklund’s impressive start, the Islanders’ young core, Simon Holmstrom’s future and whether the Devils have enough of a “B game” when their skill isn’t clicking.Then it’s over to the Rangers, who have quickly created a completely different feeling around Madison Square Garden. Jonny, Rupper and Arthur discuss Igor Shesterkin’s incredible opening week, the Rangers winning back their home crowd, improved depth throughout the lineup, Dylan Garand stepping up, the impact of the Rangers’ new additions and why this group already feels more complete than last season.Plus, they discuss Matthew Robertson hitting waivers, possible Rangers call-ups, Alexis Lafrenière’s encouraging all-around game and look ahead to another huge Rangers-Islanders matchup at Madison Square Garden.0:00 Intro + an incredible Islanders fan voicemail1:56 Jonny’s Rangers home opener story3:25 Islanders dominate the Devils again6:38 Are the Devils still an elite team?7:40 Do the Devils have a “B game”?10:55 Concerns about New Jersey’s goaltending14:47 Anthony Mantha’s fit with the Devils16:23 Luke Hughes and the Devils power play17:49 Victor Eklund is forcing the Islanders’ hand20:37 The Islanders’ young core is taking shape22:55 When should the Islanders extend Simon Holmstrom?26:56 Rangers are rolling to start the season27:40 What’s different about this Rangers team?30:37 Rangers depth is making a huge difference33:31 Rangers fans are buying back in35:23 Igor Shesterkin has changed the energy at MSG37:17 How Shesterkin’s goal impacted the Rangers40:05 Dylan Garand steps up with a shutout42:31 Matthew Robertson hits waivers43:53 Who could the Rangers call up?44:26 Alexis Lafrenière’s encouraging start46:39 Rangers-Islanders preview + best bet47:58 Final thoughtsPresented by bet365
60. Episode 60: Islanders Concerns, Rangers Trade Talk & Devils Predictions
46:45||Season 1, Ep. 60The NHL season is underway, and Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp and Arthur Staple are back for Episode 60 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast to react to the first games for the New York Islanders and New York Rangers while looking ahead to the New Jersey Devils’ season opener. The guys break down the Islanders’ frustrating loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, their offensive struggles, the decision to play Logan Stanley over Scott Mayfield, Anthony Duclair’s performance and whether the Isles did enough this offseason to move the franchise forward. They also answer listener voicemails on expectations for the Islanders, Rangers and Devils, how long it takes to truly evaluate a team, and the direction of the Islanders organization. Then, the conversation shifts to the Rangers after their opening-night loss to the Boston Bruins, including Braden Schneider’s future in New York, Albert Schmitz’s role on the blue line, the Rangers’ defensive structure, JT Miller’s postgame comments and breaking news of Dylan Garand being recalled from Hartford. Finally, the guys preview the Devils’ opener with bold predictions for Jack Hughes, Luke Evangelista, Luke Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Anthony Mantha and the Devils’ goaltending, plus thoughts on Amadeus Lombardi and Sunny Mehta’s early impact on New Jersey.0:00 Intro0:53 Which loss was worse: Rangers or Islanders?2:23 Islanders’ third line gets exposed by Toronto2:57 Arthur reacts to the Islanders’ opening loss5:00 Logan Stanley over Scott Mayfield?7:01 Mike Rupp on how lineup decisions impact a locker room10:04 Islanders voicemail: When can you judge a team?13:06 Devils, Rangers & Islanders point predictions14:52 Did the Islanders’ loss feel too much like last season?15:34 Anthony Duclair stands out for the Islanders19:12 Islanders voicemail: Is the GM already on the hot seat?21:17 What direction are the Islanders actually heading?24:55 Islanders need to get younger26:18 Rangers conversation begins26:30 Rangers voicemail: Should Braden Schneider be traded?28:02 Breaking down Schneider’s opening-night struggles29:08 Could Schneider benefit from a fresh start?31:29 Is Schneider the right partner for Albert Schmitz?31:56 Should the Rangers change their defensive pairs?33:12 What should the Rangers expect from Schmitz?34:37 Rangers’ defensive structure & JT Miller’s comments35:25 Dylan Garand recalled from Hartford36:48 Devils season preview37:02 Devils voicemail: 2026-27 season predictions38:26 Ranking the Devils’ bold predictions40:28 Mike Rupp’s Jesper Bratt 100-point prediction42:34 Can Jack Hughes reach 100 points?43:12 Amadeus Lombardi makes the Devils roster43:39 Sunny Mehta’s early impact on New Jersey45:03 bet365 Bet of the Day46:09 OutroPresented by bet365 #NHL #NYR #Isles #NJDevils #TriStateHockey
49. Episode 59: It's Always Sunny
46:46||Season 1, Ep. 49New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta joins Arthur Staple and Mike Rupp on Episode 59 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast to break down his first several months running the team, growing up as a Devils fan in New Jersey and now leading the organization he watched as a kid. Mehta takes us inside his aggressive first offseason as GM, his roster-building philosophy, the importance of healthy debate and collaboration inside a front office, what he learned from his time with the Florida Panthers, why the Devils targeted Luke Evangelista, and how he evaluates the unpredictability of the goaltending position. He also reflects on working alongside Devils legend Martin Brodeur and some of his favorite memories from New Jersey’s Stanley Cup years.After the interview, Arthur and Rupper turn their attention to the rest of the Tri-State, breaking down the New York Rangers’ season-opening shutout loss to the Boston Bruins, what they liked despite the result, the early concerns surrounding New York’s scoring and the young players who stood out. They also preview the New York Islanders’ opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs, discuss the makeup of the Islanders roster, Mathew Barzal’s injury and missed training camp, and what his eventual return could mean for a team that needs his speed and offensive creativity.00:00 Welcome to Episode 59 00:55 Devils GM Sunny Mehta joins the show 01:12 Growing up a New Jersey Devils fan 03:12 The Devils team that “got away” in 2001 04:21 Remembering the great Devils teams and the A-Line 05:43 Johnny Lazarus calls in with a question 06:58 Mehta’s aggressive first offseason as Devils GM 10:31 Why healthy debate matters inside an NHL front office 12:52 Lessons from Florida and adapting as the NHL evolves 14:25 Why New Jersey targeted Luke Evangelista 16:56 Sunny Mehta explains his goaltending philosophy 20:11 Martin Brodeur and the 2003 Conn Smythe debate 22:36 Reacting to Mehta’s vision for the Devils 25:30 Rangers shut out in their season opener 26:44 Should Rangers fans be concerned about the scoring? 27:22 A young Rangers defenseman makes an early impression 32:18 How New York improved its roster depth 34:37 Breaking down the Islanders entering opening night 35:25 Mathew Barzal’s injury concerns 38:28 Islanders vs. Maple Leafs preview 40:39 How difficult is it to return without a training camp? 43:00 Why the Islanders desperately need Barzal’s offense 44:30 Final thoughts and looking ahead 45:25 Bet365 picks and outroPresented by bet365#NJDevils #NYR #Isles #NHL #TriStateHockey #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkRangers #NewYorkIslanders #Hockey #NHLPodcast
58. Episode 58: Almost There
01:06:17||Season 1, Ep. 58Episode 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
57. Episode 57: The Great Kenny Albert
55:47||Season 1, Ep. 57On 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
55. Episode 55: Pulock’s Perspective
01:25:44||Season 1, Ep. 55Jonny 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