Tri-State Hockey Podcast

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 Intro

1:25 Joey from Long Island sets the tone

3:07 Islanders collapse reaction

10:10 Matthew Darsch criticism and fan frustration

19:00 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 debate

55:21 Matthew Schaefer as the lone bright spot

57:17 Devils voicemail: should New Jersey keep the current top line together?

1:00:20 Devils line combos, Dawson Mercer, and top-six needs

1:07:42 Devils goaltending outlook for next season

1:12:23 Jesper Bratt, Devils positives, and what still works

1:17:01 Jonathan Quick retirement discussion and legacy

1:25:35 Gabe Perreault contract talk and Rangers future

1:28:02 Jonny gets recruited for roller hockey

1:30:05 Final Rangers note, dinner bet payoff, and closing thoughts

Presented by @bet365ca #bet365

#TriStateHockey #NewYorkIslanders #NYRangers #NJDevils #NHL #HockeyPodcast #JonnyLazarus #ArthurStaple #MikeRupp #bet365

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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

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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 39

0:12 – Tom Fitzgerald fired by the Devils

1:00 – Why the Devils and Islanders made aggressive moves now

2:33 – Are teams trying to jump the line on coaches and executives?

4:33 – Why New Jersey moved on from Fitzgerald before season’s end

6:25 – 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 NHL

11:48 – Which job is more attractive: Devils or Islanders?

14:25 – Devils outlook and why expectations should still be high

18:26 – Jack Hughes’ leadership growth and what it means long-term

19:48 – Can the Devils put a positive spin on this season?

25:00 – Nico Hischier’s extension and why it matters this summer

35:21 – Pete DeBoer’s arrival and Islanders reaction

36:00 – Why “retread coach” criticism misses the point

54:05 – 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 year

1:15:05 – Has the criticism of JT Miller gone too far?

1:18:09 – Why JT Miller is an “amplifier” for the Rangers

1:20:18 – Rangers self-sabotage, adversity, and leadership questions

1:21:33 – Final hot takes: what’s the next Rangers domino?

1:23:03 – Jonny’s hot take on a possible Rangers trade idea

1:25:14 – bet365 close

#TriStateHockeyPodcast #NHL #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #JonnyLazarus #ArthurStaple #MikeRupp #PeteDeBoer #TomFitzgerald

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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.

Timestamps

0:00 Intro

0:50 Rangers-Devils chaos and opening thoughts

1:03 Igor Shesterkin vs. Jacob Markstrom goalie fight reaction

1:46 Arthur Staple on why Shesterkin always felt destined for a goalie fight

4:06 Mike Rupp on Igor’s post-whistle antics and why someone finally challenged him

7:36 What the goalie fight says about Rangers toughness and team identity

9:58 Adam Fox’s reaction and why moments like this matter late in the season

12:24 Mika Zibanejad praise and transition into Rangers offseason talk

12:45 Keith Tkachuk’s comments, Ottawa drama, and Brady Tkachuk speculation

14:59 What would the Rangers give up for Brady Tkachuk?

16:49 Why Brady Tkachuk could reset the Rangers’ culture

18:27 Is Lafreniere, Schneider, and a 1st enough in a Brady deal?

20:08 Why everyone assumes Brady eventually leaves Ottawa

21:26 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 him

28:12 Nico Hischier vs. Brock Nelson debate

31:42 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 talk

40:47 Fitzgerald family ties to the Tkachuks and what that could mean

43:13 Islanders segment begins

43:36 Islanders vibes, physicality, and where things stand in the playoff race

45:15 Remaining schedule breakdown and how tough the road is for the Isles

49:11 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 was

59:31 Matthew Schaefer question: what does his prime look like?

1:00:33 Schaefer player comparisons and long-term ceiling

1:06:57 Why Schaefer’s production is so absurd for a defenseman

1:08:39 Calder talk and why the race might not even be close

1:09:07 Bet365 read and Islanders pick vs. Flyers

1:10:23 Final thoughts and wrap-up

Presented by bet365

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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 Columbia

2:07 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!

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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.

Timestamps

0:12 Intro / Welcome to Episode 36

0:31 Rangers eliminated, Devils win again, Islanders beat Dallas

0:48 Islanders’ huge win over the Stars

2:06 Rupp on the Islanders simplifying their game

3:41 Matthew Schaefer’s impact keeps growing

4:09 Rupp’s nitpick on Schaefer’s one-knee defensive habit

7:03 Shot blocking stories from Rupp and Jonny

10:25 Islanders voicemail: why do their performances swing so much?

11:42 Why this Islanders team is so stressful to watch

12:25 Why bad teams can be tougher than contenders down the stretch

17:24 Did Sorokin make the Dallas win look cleaner than it was?

20:05 Barzal, risk management, and cleaning up the Islanders’ game

22:31 Voicemail: should Sorokin be the Vezina favorite?

23:10 How Vezina voting actually works

26:11 Sorokin’s advanced stats and “goalie steal” numbers

28:18 Sorokin vs. Vasilevskiy and the value debate

31:52 Does making the playoffs matter in Vezina voting?

36:43 Voicemail: Tony DeAngelo, Bridgeport, and the move to Hamilton

38:13 How AHL affiliation works for NHL teams

39:35 Tony DeAngelo’s fit with the Islanders

40:11 Arthur addresses the Tony DeAngelo / Canadiens chirping chatter

41:08 Best chirps and on-ice trash talk stories

46:50 Chris from Hicksville voicemail on the Islanders’ flaws and identity

48:20 Looking back on iconic late-season Islanders memories

52:31 Why the Islanders’ flaws may still be survivable with Sorokin

54:18 Devils voicemail: loser points, leadership, and slow starts

55:33 Devils’ OT record and leadership conversation begins

#TriStateHockey #NewYorkIslanders #Islanders #NewYorkRangers #Rangers #NewJerseyDevils #Devils #NHL #HockeyPodcast #JonnyLazarus #MikeRupp #ArthurStaple #IlyaSorokin

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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.

Timestamps

0:00 Intro

0:12 Welcome to Episode 35

0:33 Islanders bounce back with huge win over Columbus

1:05 What the Islanders proved in a must-win spot

3:31 Islanders back above the playoff cut line

4:18 Tattoo bet and Islanders logo talk

4:58 Is Ilya Sorokin locking up the Vezina?

7:43 Islanders blue line adjustments and Matthew Schaefer’s impact

10:09 Tony DeAngelo’s fit and future on Long Island

15:14 Mathew Barzal showing fire vs. Montreal

19:23 How the Islanders are changing post-Lou Lamoriello

21:00 Patrick Roy’s offside challenge and why it caused debate

22:19 The latest NHL goalie interference confusion

28:39 Voicemail from Chris in Hicksville

30:08 Victor Eklund and whether the Islanders should bring him over now

33:18 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 story

50:10 Mika Zibanejad skates in his 1000th NHL game

51:11 Looking back at the Mika Zibanejad trade

53:43 Where Mika ranks in Rangers history

57:25 What makes Mika such an important Ranger

#TriStateHockey #NewYorkIslanders #Islanders #NewYorkRangers #Rangers #NewJerseyDevils #Devils #NHL #HockeyPodcast #JonnyLazarus #MikeRupp #ArthurStaple #IlyaSorokin #MikaZibanejad

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Episode 34 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, presented by No Vig, sees Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple break down a chaotic stretch in the Eastern Conference as all three Tri-State teams sit outside the playoff picture. The guys open with the Islanders’ brutal late-game collapse and what it means for their playoff push before diving into a Devils-heavy segment driven by voicemails, including Jack Hughes’ impact, his evolving leadership, and the ripple effects of his injuries. They also unpack the Olympic gold medal puck controversy and what it reveals about NHL players, the IOC, and the future of international hockey. Later, the conversation shifts back to the Islanders’ trade deadline decisions, their ageing core, and whether they’re truly built to contend. The show wraps with a full Rangers segment, highlighted by one of Rupp’s best stories yet involving John Tortorella, lineups, and old-school rivalry chaos at MSG.

00:00 – Welcome + Tri-State playoff picture chaos

01:00 – Islanders collapse + falling out of playoff spot

03:30 – Late-game mistakes + mentality debate

06:00 – Devils voicemail: Jack Hughes injury impact

09:00 – Hughes return + elite production

12:00 – Leadership, maturity, and expectations

15:30 – Olympic gold medal puck controversy begins

20:00 – IOC vs NHL control + bigger picture

24:30 – Crosby comparison + handling star moments

28:30 – What makes a true NHL leader?

32:50 – Devils voicemail: system under Sheldon Keefe

36:00 – Why Devils look different lately

40:00 – Goaltending concerns + team inconsistency

42:30 – Islanders voicemail: trade deadline moves

46:00 – Aging core vs staying competitive

50:00 – Playoff race outlook + wildcard scenarios

54:00 – “Just get in” mindset + Islanders ceiling

58:30 – Transition to Rangers discussion

1:04:30 – Rupp’s Torts lineup story (MSG rivalry moment)

1:10:00 – Old-school hockey vs today’s NHL

1:18:30 – Wrap-up, sponsor, and closing

Presented by Novig

#TriStateHockey #NHL #NewYorkIslanders #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkRangers #JackHughes #HockeyPodcast #NHLPlayoffs #MikeRupp #ArthurStaple #JonnyLazarus

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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.

0:00 Intro / Episode 33 begins

1:05 Matthew Schaefer’s return to Toronto and massive support crowd

3:00 The pressure and significance of Schaefer’s big moment

5:10 Islanders playoff race and importance of every game

7:55 Semyon Varlamov returns to the ice after major surgeries

9:30 What Varlamov means to the Islanders organization

11:00 The importance of closure for players nearing retirement

12:25 Devils discussion: team identity and sticking up for teammates

14:30 Why playing for each other still matters late in the season

16:00 Jack Hughes’ recent surge and impact on the Devils

18:00 What Devils fans should watch for down the stretch

21:55 Rangers discussion and Artemi Panarin storyline

25:30 Peter Laviolette joins the show

31:00 Laviolette on Rangers culture and playoff run

40:00 Coaching philosophy, leadership, and handling adversity

46:00 Olympic experience and USA Hockey growth

48:30 Laviolette on USA Hockey development and grassroots impact

51:00 The evolution of American players in the NHL

53:30 Laviolette on coaching staff, assistants, and building a bench

56:00 Dan Muse’s rise and coaching impact

58:30 What makes a great NHL assistant coach

1:01:00 Final thoughts with Laviolette

1:03:00 Episode wrap-up

Presented by Novig

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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 begins

0:58 Rangers voicemail: Why doesn’t Chris Drury talk directly to fans?

7:40 Rangers voicemail: Alexis Lafrenière’s production without Artemi Panarin

8:50 Jonny breaks down why Lafrenière’s recent run needs context

13:13 Gabe Perreault’s emergence and what it could mean for Lafrenière’s future

16:19 Did the Rangers mishandle Lafrenière’s development on the power play?

19:07 Devils discussion: Jack Hughes’ leadership jump after the Olympics

21:17 Why learning how to win matters for elite young stars

27:19 Jack Hughes, leadership, and what it really means to be a veteran

31:44 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 Schaefer

53:18 Islanders power-play predictability and the missing shooting threat

56:31 Final voicemail: Should the Islanders keep all of their top prospects?

Presented by Novig

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