Episode 34: Puck Gate, Isles Fall, Laf Legend?
Episode 34: Puck Gate, Isles Fall, Laf Legend?  
Podcast: Tri-State Hockey Podcast
Published On: Fri Mar 20 2026
Description: 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.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome + Tri-State playoff picture chaos01:00 – Islanders collapse + falling out of playoff spot03:30 – Late-game mistakes + mentality debate06:00 – Devils voicemail: Jack Hughes injury impact09:00 – Hughes return + elite production12:00 – Leadership, maturity, and expectations15:30 – Olympic gold medal puck controversy begins20:00 – IOC vs NHL control + bigger picture24:30 – Crosby comparison + handling star moments28:30 – What makes a true NHL leader?32:50 – Devils voicemail: system under Sheldon Keefe36:00 – Why Devils look different lately40:00 – Goaltending concerns + team inconsistency42:30 – Islanders voicemail: trade deadline moves46:00 – Aging core vs staying competitive50:00 – Playoff race outlook + wildcard scenarios54:00 – “Just get in” mindset + Islanders ceiling58:30 – Transition to Rangers discussion1:04:30 – Rupp’s Torts lineup story (MSG rivalry moment)1:10:00 – Old-school hockey vs today’s NHL1:18:30 – Wrap-up, sponsor, and closingPresented by Novig#TriStateHockey #NHL #NewYorkIslanders #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkRangers #JackHughes #HockeyPodcast #NHLPlayoffs #MikeRupp #ArthurStaple #JonnyLazarus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.