Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple, and Mike Rupp are back for Episode 23 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, presented by Novig — and today it’s voicemail-heavy with Devils fans feeling optimistic after a big win over Nashville (but concerned about Jack Hughes’ latest injury), Islanders fans riding high after sweeping the Rangers 4-0 in the Schaefer era, and Rangers fans firing back at that anonymous Isles caller from last episode.

The New Jersey Devils snapped a skid with a clutch win, led by Nico Hischier’s bomb and Dougie Hamilton’s resurgence — but Jack Hughes’ lower-body injury has everyone debating whether he should skip the Olympics to focus on a playoff push. The guys break down the Ondrej Palat trade (a win-win for cap relief and Isles depth), goaltending woes, and whether there’s still a realistic path to the playoffs with a post-break sprint.

Over on Long Island, the Isles are 4-0 vs. the Rangers since drafting Matthew Schaefer, who’s delivering on his promise to own them. The panel discusses Ondrej Palat’s immediate impact, Carson Soucy adding pro depth, and why this team feels built for a surprise run despite inconsistencies.

Rangers talk gets heated with voicemails on franchise “curses,” Hartford Wolf Pack development failures, and whether Alexis Lafreniere & Kaapo Kakko have set the organization back years (spoiler: it’s a debate). Plus, reactions to Schaefer calling Isles fans louder at MSG.

Timestamps

00:00 – Episode 23 intro & voicemail teaser

02:00 – Devils big win over Nashville: Nico’s goal, Dougie’s resurgence

08:00 – Jack Hughes injury & Olympics dilemma — should NJ pull him?

15:00 – Voicemail: Jersey John on sloppy play & steakhouse bets

20:00 – Palat trade breakdown: Win for Devils cap, Isles leadership

25:00 – Voicemail: Jersey Bob on needed shakeups & playoff path

30:00 – Devils goaltending: Young D or goalie blame?

35:00 – Voicemail: Nate’s optimistic playoff push case

40:00 – Isles dominate Rangers: Schaefer era 4-0, Palat/Soucy additions

45:00 – Why Isles style suits Palat & pro vets

50:00 – Voicemail: Jay fires back at Isles fan on “privileged” Rangers

55:00 – Rangers fan base dominance & historical “curse”

60:00 – Voicemail: Sam on Hartford Wolf Pack failures & fixes

65:00 – Promoting young guys like Othmann, Perreault in rebuild

70:00 – Voicemail: Bruce on Lafreniere/Kakko as franchise setbacks

75:00 – Debate: Are #1/#2 picks busts or just mishandled?

80:00 – Wrap-up + Friday preview (more Devils love incoming)

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