Jonny Lazarus, Arthur Staple and Mike Rupp are back for episode 18 of the Tri-State Hockey Podcast, presented by Novig — and the vibes are wildly different across the Metro once again.

The Islanders are riding high: incredible team camaraderie (that viral Anders Lee pond hockey video!), depth scoring, elite goaltending from Ilya Sorokin, Simon Holmstrom stepping up huge, and serious "Miracle"-level belief. Are they ready to push all-in before the window closes with Matt Schaefer's ELC?

The Devils finally show signs of life with a strong 60-minute effort against Minnesota — Nico Hischier dominant, Jesper Bratt snapping out of it, and Dougie Hamilton delivering when it mattered most. But the drama lingers: is the Hamilton healthy scratch / return saga salvageable, or is the point of no return already here?

The Rangers continue tiptoeing toward rock bottom: brutal turnovers, no pushback, self-doubt creeping in, questionable roster decisions, and a franchise feel that's completely off (no welcome-back video for Ryan Lindgren?!). Mika Zibanejad is on fire — but is anyone else even trying?

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & quick check-in

00:49 - Islanders pond hockey magic & team vibes

02:19 - Holmstrom shorthanded wizardry & depth heroes vs MIN

04:39 - Sorokin Vezina case & "someone always steps up"

08:23 - Patrick Roy clip & Islanders' special sauce

14:39 - Should the Islanders go for it now? (window with Schaefer's ELC)

19:36 - Devils bounce-back vs MIN — Hischier, Bratt, Hamilton

23:32 - Dougie drama: showcase mode or point of no return?

27:34 - Fitz job security report — root for wins or tank for change?

30:32 - Rangers self-doubt & "looking for answers in the room"

36:49 - Mika carrying everything + roster holes exposed

38:50 - No Lindgren welcome-back video — vibes & culture concerns

43:08 - Playoff math reality check: must-win territory

50:33 - Laf demotion, no fire, and offensive future questions

55:30 - Novig pick (Islanders ML) & wrap-up

Presented by Novig

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