Episode 38: Goalie Fights & Soft Tampering
Episode 38: Goalie Fights & Soft Tampering  
Podcast: Tri-State Hockey Podcast
Published On: Thu Apr 02 2026
Description: 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.Timestamps0:00 Intro0:50 Rangers-Devils chaos and opening thoughts1:03 Igor Shesterkin vs. Jacob Markstrom goalie fight reaction1:46 Arthur Staple on why Shesterkin always felt destined for a goalie fight4:06 Mike Rupp on Igor’s post-whistle antics and why someone finally challenged him7:36 What the goalie fight says about Rangers toughness and team identity9:58 Adam Fox’s reaction and why moments like this matter late in the season12:24 Mika Zibanejad praise and transition into Rangers offseason talk12:45 Keith Tkachuk’s comments, Ottawa drama, and Brady Tkachuk speculation14:59 What would the Rangers give up for Brady Tkachuk?16:49 Why Brady Tkachuk could reset the Rangers’ culture18:27 Is Lafreniere, Schneider, and a 1st enough in a Brady deal?20:08 Why everyone assumes Brady eventually leaves Ottawa21:26 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 him28:12 Nico Hischier vs. Brock Nelson debate31:42 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 talk40:47 Fitzgerald family ties to the Tkachuks and what that could mean43:13 Islanders segment begins43:36 Islanders vibes, physicality, and where things stand in the playoff race45:15 Remaining schedule breakdown and how tough the road is for the Isles49:11 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 was59:31 Matthew Schaefer question: what does his prime look like?1:00:33 Schaefer player comparisons and long-term ceiling1:06:57 Why Schaefer’s production is so absurd for a defenseman1:08:39 Calder talk and why the race might not even be close1:09:07 Bet365 read and Islanders pick vs. Flyers1:10:23 Final thoughts and wrap-upPresented by bet365 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.