The 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.**
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00:00 Intro – Episode 62
02:35 Islanders Power Play & Matthew Schaefer
09:47 Who Comes Out When Mathew Barzal Returns?
13:07 Logan Stanley’s Impressive Start
16:22 Semyon Varlamov, Ilya Sorokin & Islanders Defence
24:09 Mike Rupp Defends His Luke Hughes Prediction
28:10 New Jersey Devils – Sheldon Keefe’s Frustrations
32:04 Breaking Down the Devils’ Defensive Mistakes
34:37 Jack Hughes’ Defensive Struggles
36:55 Is Sheldon Keefe Losing the Locker Room?
42:20 Could the Devils Make a Coaching Change?
44:28 Devils Fan Voicemail & Controversial Whistle Rule
46:37 New York Rangers – Strong Start & Trade Needs
48:20 Dylan Larkin to the Rangers? Lafrenière Trade Talk
54:52 Are the Rangers Stanley Cup Contenders?
59:47 Should Albert Schmitz Play in the AHL?
01:03:31 Islanders’ Heineman Goal Breakdown
01:04:34 Final Thoughts & bet365 Pick
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Keefe sucks has to go, get torts or Cassidy
Mehta should have fired Keefe on day 1 as GM.
Your other Left Jonnny
I agree that Jack can be one of the most dynamic players in the league, but he is one soft one-trick pony, and as soon as that one trick doesn't work, he starts to look really ugly. One must love how he tries to block the shot on the second goal video and then watches from afar as Utah scores!
I am happy with the Rangers start but let’s be honest… if they get blown out tonight and look like crap everyone will swing back the other way. Too early to be crowning champions.
The beginning left and right camera thing is amazing
I'm with Arthur, why not?
I'll drive laf to Detroit if Drury can get Larkin.
Guys like Deangelo and Pulock are still turning the puck over or making mistakes to give opponents high danger chances. Deangelo pinching cost them a penalty that led to Rangers winning goal on the PP, and that has not been the only time.
Mehta should have gave NJ a true clean slate & maybe hired Woodcroft in the Summer.
57:47 😂 Stop being a hater Johnny
I wouldn't want Torts to take over at nearly 70 & the Devils need stability at HC. They need a guy who can take them to that next level & be with them for a while. It could be Cassidy as I feel his DZN structure is exactly what NJ needs but idk how well his DZN breakouts or OZN entries would fit.
Cassidy made smart alterations in Vegas after BOS as they didn't have the speed Bruins had & were more of a bigger more physical veteran Team. If Mehta speaks to him where they agree that Quinn (who will be a Devil soon) Jack, Luke, Bratt are guys who will thrive on a Team without any stretch passes🤷♂️
Torts is a no no he wont bench jack or luke cuz they have all the power and if he does the fans will ahte him think. Bruce Cassidy is the guy since mehta was a clown all offseason and everyoen knew Woodcroft is the guy. Keefe sucks. Torts is a red flag you want to leave alone ask your self if vega never wanted him back why should the Devils? we know torts is not a good coach and he will nerf the offensive the thing nj is good at well was. Tell why torts is good ill wait for a good anwser. tell me how did do in Philly? why did vega tell him to go away? yall dino needs to get with the program.
When I have a coach thats been to two Stanley Cup finals I will defer to him for the lines and power plays while the fans play video hockey and fantasy GM. By the way, what happens when Barzal comes back and the PP stops performing? Then what? Prove yourself? Ask the fans who they would have more confidence in over the course of a season Eklund or Duclair? For all the Darche haters who has more points Stanley or Dobson?
Good job guys!!
37:45 BECAUSE ITS FUCKING JACK! U cant do shit with him. U cant reprimand him u cant sit him u cant do fucking shit with him. So these fucking fundamentals go out the window and the favoritism makes others disgruntled. Every coach has mentioned the same shit.
Keefe is useless. Dougie not being on PP1 is laughable and it’s 3 years now that Luke has been killing us. Keefe is to blame. PLUS our 40 goal scorer Timo is not on PP1 😂😂😂😂😂 it’s so frikin laughable