Episode 35: Isles Win, Keefe's Future, Mika 1000 | Tri-State Hockey Podcast

On Episode 35 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, Jonny Lazarus, Mike Rupp, and Arthur Staple dig into a huge stretch run across the New York hockey landscape, with the New York Islanders taking center stage after a massive bounce-back win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The guys break down Ilya Sorokin’s Vezina-caliber season, Matthew Schaefer’s standout late-game defending, the Islanders’ blue line decisions, and whether Tony DeAngelo could be a long-term fit on Long Island. They also get into Mathew Barzal showing some fire in Montreal, the ongoing confusion around goalie interference, and what it all means for the Islanders’ playoff push.

Later, the conversation shifts to the New Jersey Devils, where the focus turns to Sheldon Keefe, the team’s form down the stretch, and whether coaching should even be part of the offseason conversation.

To close the show, the guys discuss Mika Zibanejad skating in his 1000th NHL game, revisit the trade that brought him to New York, and reflect on where he belongs in Rangers history.

Presented by Novig.

Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:12 Welcome to Episode 35
0:33 Islanders bounce back with huge win over Columbus
1:05 What the Islanders proved in a must-win spot
3:31 Islanders back above the playoff cut line
4:18 Tattoo bet and Islanders logo talk
4:58 Is Ilya Sorokin locking up the Vezina?
7:43 Islanders blue line adjustments and Matthew Schaefer’s impact
10:09 Tony DeAngelo’s fit and future on Long Island
15:14 Mathew Barzal showing fire vs. Montreal
19:23 How the Islanders are changing post-Lou Lamoriello
21:00 Patrick Roy’s offside challenge and why it caused debate
22:19 The latest NHL goalie interference confusion
28:39 Voicemail from Chris in Hicksville
30:08 Victor Eklund and whether the Islanders should bring him over now
33:18 Does Sorokin need the playoffs to win the Vezina?
36:07 Are Sheldon Keefe’s final games deciding his future in New Jersey?
41:40 If not Keefe, who would even make sense for the Devils?
46:31 How much say do players really have in exit meetings?
48:56 Keith Yandle’s hilarious J.T. Miller exit meeting story
50:10 Mika Zibanejad skates in his 1000th NHL game
51:11 Looking back at the Mika Zibanejad trade
53:43 Where Mika ranks in Rangers history
57:25 What makes Mika such an important Ranger

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