Episode 26: Milan Games RoundTable
Episode 26: Milan Games RoundTable  
Podcast: Tri-State Hockey Podcast
Published On: Mon Feb 16 2026
Description: Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple, and Mike Rupp are back for Episode 26 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, presented by NoVig — and for once, it’s a rare all-positive Tri-State check-in thanks to how the Milan Games have gone for the Devils, Rangers, and Islanders reps. The guys start with Jack Hughes looking like Team USA’s sparkplug despite limited minutes, why the “perimeter” criticism misses the point, and what his role could look like once the real tests arrive. From there, they hit Jesper Bratt’s struggles (and lineup questions), Simon Nemec thriving for Slovakia, and why Switzerland leans so heavily on Nico Hischier and Timo Meier. Then it’s Rangers/USA deployment talk — J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck embracing specialty roles, the Trocheck “Minnesota” photo-day joke that somehow turned into discourse, and whether Mike Sullivan has shown enough… or just hasn’t needed to yet. Plus: Bo Horvat’s perfect Team Canada fit, the Islanders’ long-view on Brock Nelson, and a tease for the NYC live show coming up this week.Don’t miss the live show in NYC (West Village) on Thursday night — tickets are free. www.nationgear.caTimestamps0:13 – Episode 26 intro + Tri-State Milan Games overview0:56 – Jack Hughes breakout + role evolution discussion9:06 – “Perimeter” criticism debate + Devils context12:32 – Simon Nemec thriving + Jesper Bratt lineup questions16:47 – Switzerland reliance on Nico Hischier & Timo Meier19:24 – Team USA role players: Miller, Trocheck & PK success25:03 – Trocheck “Minnesota” joke + Rangers reaction29:01 – Evaluating Mike Sullivan’s coaching so far34:31 – Bo Horvat’s Team Canada impact37:41 – Brock Nelson discourse & Islanders perspective43:46 – Matthew Schaefer what-if + Islanders big-picture46:07 – NYC live show plug + sponsor read47:42 – Wrap-up & outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.