Tri-State Hockey Podcast

The 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 voicemail

1:56 Jonny’s Rangers home opener story

3:25 Islanders dominate the Devils again

6:38 Are the Devils still an elite team?

7:40 Do the Devils have a “B game”?

10:55 Concerns about New Jersey’s goaltending

14:47 Anthony Mantha’s fit with the Devils

16:23 Luke Hughes and the Devils power play

17:49 Victor Eklund is forcing the Islanders’ hand

20:37 The Islanders’ young core is taking shape

22:55 When should the Islanders extend Simon Holmstrom?

26:56 Rangers are rolling to start the season

27:40 What’s different about this Rangers team?

30:37 Rangers depth is making a huge difference

33:31 Rangers fans are buying back in

35:23 Igor Shesterkin has changed the energy at MSG

37:17 How Shesterkin’s goal impacted the Rangers

40:05 Dylan Garand steps up with a shutout

42:31 Matthew Robertson hits waivers

43:53 Who could the Rangers call up?

44:26 Alexis Lafrenière’s encouraging start

46:39 Rangers-Islanders preview + best bet

47:58 Final thoughts

Presented by bet365

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The 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 Intro

0:53 Which loss was worse: Rangers or Islanders?

2:23 Islanders’ third line gets exposed by Toronto

2:57 Arthur reacts to the Islanders’ opening loss

5:00 Logan Stanley over Scott Mayfield?

7:01 Mike Rupp on how lineup decisions impact a locker room

10:04 Islanders voicemail: When can you judge a team?

13:06 Devils, Rangers & Islanders point predictions

14:52 Did the Islanders’ loss feel too much like last season?

15:34 Anthony Duclair stands out for the Islanders

19:12 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 younger

26:18 Rangers conversation begins

26:30 Rangers voicemail: Should Braden Schneider be traded?

28:02 Breaking down Schneider’s opening-night struggles

29:08 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 comments

35:25 Dylan Garand recalled from Hartford

36:48 Devils season preview

37:02 Devils voicemail: 2026-27 season predictions

38:26 Ranking the Devils’ bold predictions

40:28 Mike Rupp’s Jesper Bratt 100-point prediction

42:34 Can Jack Hughes reach 100 points?

43:12 Amadeus Lombardi makes the Devils roster

43:39 Sunny Mehta’s early impact on New Jersey

45:03 bet365 Bet of the Day

46:09 Outro

Presented by bet365

#NHL #NYR #Isles #NJDevils #TriStateHockey

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New 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 outro

Presented by bet365

#NJDevils #NYR #Isles #NHL #TriStateHockey #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkRangers #NewYorkIslanders #Hockey #NHLPodcast

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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 Intro

1:00 - Semyon Varlamov Returns After 662 Days

3:47 - The Devils' Goaltending Philosophy

5:19 - 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 Camp

20:38 - Albert Schmitz Impresses for the Rangers

27:53 - Pavel Dorofeyev's Shot & Rangers Offence

29:25 - Scott Mayfield Fighting for His Islanders Role

32:12 - Matthias Maccelli's Opportunity with the Islanders

34:29 - Matthew Schaefer Takes Over the Islanders Power Play

42:06 - Tri-State Voicemails

42:21 - Brayden Schenn's Role & the Anders Lee Debate

48:41 - 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 Narrative

1:04:50 - Bet365 Bet of the Day & Outro

Presented by bet365

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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.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Welcome to Episode 57 | Jonny Lazarus is away

0:52 – Kenny Albert joins the show

1:41 – Kenny on calling multiple sports and his broadcasting career

7:21 – Taking over the Rangers TV booth after Sam Rosen

12:34 – Kenny Albert’s Olympic experience

13:17 – Calling the USA-Canada gold medal game

17:36 – How Kenny prepares for historic calls

19:24 – Planning Stanley Cup and gold medal calls

21:27 – Jack Hughes’ emotional postgame interview

24:37 – Rangers memories and the Centennial celebrations

26:29 – Calling the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup Final

28:04 – How the 1994 Cup run led to Kenny meeting his wife

31:43 – Rangers, Islanders and Devils rivalry stories

35:31 – Which NHL players could become broadcasters?

42:14 – Wrapping up with Kenny Albert

43:51 – Luke Evangelista’s deal and the new NHL CBA

46:31 – Latest around the Devils and NHL training camps

46:50 – Bo Horvat named Islanders captain

47:44 – Why Matthew Schaefer doesn’t need the captaincy yet

50:47 – How teams will approach the shortened training camp

52:50 – Does the NHL even need preseason games?

53:52 – Final thoughts and outro

Presented by bet365

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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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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 direction

5:46 – 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 shot

31:45 – 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-up

Presented by bet365

#TriStateHockey #NHL #Hockey #NYR #NJDevils #Isles #NewYorkRangers #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #QuinnHughes #DylanLarkin #AdamFox #MatthewSchaefer #MetropolitanDivision

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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.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Episode 54

1:00 — NHL Network’s Top 20 Defensemen

1:24 — 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 made

8:29 — Adam Fox, Rangers bias & what makes an elite defenseman

15:32 — Biggest snubs & future Top 20 defensemen

18:02 — Adam Fox vs. Evan Bouchard

20:48 — Luke Hughes prediction

21:25 — WAY-too-early Metropolitan Division rankings

28:02 — Johnny’s Metro Division predictions

31:35 — Arthur’s Metro Division predictions

33:08 — Mike’s Metro Division predictions

33:30 — 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-up

Presented by bet365

#TriStateHockey #NHL #Hockey #NYR #NJDevils #Isles #NewYorkRangers #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #QuinnHughes #DylanLarkin #AdamFox #MatthewSchaefer #MetropolitanDivision

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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

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Johnny Lazarus, Arthur Staple and Mike Rupp are back together for Episode 52 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast to assess where the New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers and New York Islanders stand following their offseason moves.

The guys begin with the Devils and debate whether New Jersey has the strongest roster of the three teams. They break down where Anthony Mantha could fit alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, the improved versatility of the forward group, concerns surrounding the defence and whether Jake Allen, Nico Daws and David Rittich can provide enough stability in goal.

The conversation then shifts to the Rangers following an active offseason. Arthur explains why he liked Chris Drury’s moves, while the group discusses the Vincent Trocheck trade, Pavel Dorofeyev, the Rangers’ lack of depth down the middle and the pressure facing J.T. Miller, Alexis Lafrenière, Gabe Perreault and head coach Mike Sullivan.

Finally, the guys examine the Islanders’ quiet summer, Anthony Duclair’s future, whether veteran players could block opportunities for younger talent and what Peter DeBoer can get out of the current roster. They also discuss the Islanders’ struggling power play, Matthew Schaefer’s role and whether the team did enough to improve. The show closes with a Tri-State trivia challenge featuring every Rangers, Islanders and Devils player to record a 30-goal season since 2003-04.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro and which Tri-State team is best positioned?

2:20 Ranking the best forwards across the three teams

4:53 Anthony Mantha and the Devils’ top six

11:30 Finding balance throughout New Jersey’s lineup

14:23 Concerns about the Devils’ defence

19:52 Can New Jersey’s goaltending hold up?

24:42 Breaking down the Rangers’ offseason

30:04 Are the Rangers stuck in the middle?

34:30 Which Rangers players must step up?

39:03 Pressure on Mike Sullivan and Gabe Perreault’s role

44:32 Anthony Duclair and the Islanders’ offseason

48:09 Are veterans blocking the Islanders’ young players?

51:25 Could Maxim Tsyplakov take another step?

55:47 Kyle Palmieri and the Islanders’ changing core

58:29 Can the Islanders fix their power play?

1:01:46 Rangers, Islanders and Devils 30-goal trivia

1:10:24 Playoff odds and final thoughts

Presented by bet365

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