Blueshirt Bandwidth is a weekly podcast dedicated to the New York Rangers, brought to you by the team at Blueshirt Banter. Hosted by Joe Fortunato, Mike Murphy, and Eric Kohn, the show offers in-depth analysis, game breakdowns, and the latest news on the Rangers. Whether you're looking for player insights, trade rumors, or post-game reactions, Blueshirt Bandwidth delivers everything a Rangers fan needs to stay updated. Tune in each week for commentary, passionate discussion, assorted nonsense, and all things related to the New York Rangers.
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Joe and Eric are up before sunrise—literally—to record a pre-Christmas episode of Blueshirt Bandwidth, and the early hour matches the bleak mood surrounding the New York Rangers. They dig into a brutal schedule crunch, mounting injuries, and a team that feels stuck between contention and collapse. The conversation turns to Alexei Lafrenière’s stagnation, Chris Drury’s increasingly murky plan, James Dolan’s reported impatience, and whether any real optimism exists beyond Adam Fox and elite goaltending. It’s candid, frustrated, occasionally darkly funny, and very on brand for a season that’s slipping sideways. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#63: The Murky Middle Is a Terrible Place to Live (01:22:40)
With Joe sidelined on long-term injured reserve, Eric is joined by Chip for a wide-ranging (and occasionally unhinged) episode of Blueshirt Bandwidth. The two dig into why the Rangers are stuck in the NHL’s murky middle, why this roster is overloaded with complementary players but lacks a true game-breaker, and what the Quinn Hughes trade says about New York’s asset problem. They also debate development failures, lineup accountability, the Lafrenière dilemma, and whether this team needs to finally pick a lane—sell, rebuild, or risk purgatory. Along the way: bad Rangers trades, North-South hockey, and the existential dread of being just good enough to miss out on real hope. Give it a listen!Podcast Ombudsman Report for Blueshirt Bandwidth Ep. 62Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#62: Rangers Pulse Check and Vegas Ref Show (Plus College Football Ravings) (01:26:42)
In this episode of Blueshirt Bandwidth, Joe returns from Disney World and immediately hands Eric the microphone — and Eric delivers an 11-minute scorcher on Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff snub (skip to 15:03 for Rangers talk). Once the rant subsides, the guys dive into the Rangers’ recent stretch: tight losses to Colorado and Vegas, Igor’s brilliance, the officiating meltdown in the Golden Knights game, Mike Sullivan’s noticeable impact, and the growing identity of the team. They also unpack Quinn Hughes trade rumors, roster construction realities, the Carson Soucy emergence, young-player development choices, and a packed ombudsman report. Give it a listen!Podcast Ombudsman Report for Blueshirt Bandwidth Ep. 61Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#61: The Fox Fallout and Schneider’s Window (01:21:12)
In Episode 61 of Blueshirt Bandwidth, Eric steps in for an exiled-to-mystery-land Joe Fortunato and is joined by Chip for a deeply chaotic, surprisingly thoughtful, and thoroughly entertaining ride through the state of the New York Rangers. They break down Adam Fox’s LTIR stint, what it means for the blueline, Braden Schneider’s future, and how Mike Sullivan navigates a stretch of games without one of the NHL’s best defensemen. Eric also shares a great behind-the-scenes story from a Grand Rapids Griffins fundraiser—including encountering Dustin Tokarski and learning how he found out he’d be starting an Eastern Conference Final game on essentially zero notice.From Panarin-to-KHL rumors, to trade-deadline philosophy, to a spirited debate about fancy stats, to a spontaneous Rangers-haiku segment — this episode has everything: analysis, arguments, jokes, and the occasional wrestling reference. Give it a listen! Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#60: Stuck in Purgatory, Kids Rising, Vets Slipping, and Big Decisions Ahead (01:34:57)
In the 60th edition of Blueshirt Bandwidth, Joe and Eric celebrate a Thanksgiving miracle with a full hour of chaos, kids-over-vets advocacy, goalie-number pedantry, and the ombudsman report from Charlie. The guys dive into Jusso Parssinen clearing waivers, the Noah Laba takeover, Conor Sheary’s trip to the press box, and why the Rangers’ biggest problem isn’t depth—it’s the top-six falling through the floor. They wrestle with the uncomfortable questions about Chris Drury’s plan, what “purgatory hockey” really means for this team, and whether the Rangers are quietly wasting prime years of Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin. Plus: a debate on undoing the J.T. Miller trade, a listener mailbag heavy on existential dread, and a live check-in on a game against Carolina that makes absolutely no sense. Give it a listen!Podcast Ombudsman Report for Blueshirt Bandwidth Ep. 59Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#59: Remembering Larry Brooks and Searching for the Rangers’ Identity (01:07:29)
In this week’s episode of Blueshirt Bandwidth, Joe and Eric record from dueling hotel rooms and open with an emotional tribute to the late Larry Brooks—a true giant of Rangers coverage whose voice, impact, and mentorship will be deeply missed across the hockey world. From there, they dive into the Rangers’ wildly uneven start: the home/road split that defies logic, J.T. Miller’s concerning play and whether he’s gutting it out through an injury, Gabe Perreault’s development path, and what it all means for Chris Drury as the trade-deadline conversation slowly approaches. They wrestle with the big question of the week: What is this team, really? Plus, Jonathan Quick’s Team USA case, the Ombudsman Report goes scorched-earth on Eric, and plenty more. Give it a listen!Podcast Ombudsman Report for Blueshirt Bandwidth Ep. 58Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#58: Devastating for the Haters (01:12:38)
After finally getting a win at home, the Rangers are back in the win column—and Joe and Eric are back in the same hotel room in New York City to break it all down. From Gabe Perreault’s impressive call-up debut to Artemi Panarin’s mystical hair cycle, they dig into what’s actually working for New York, what’s still maddening, and why some fans’ Alexis Lafrenière fixation misses the point. Plus: the ombudsman’s latest report, Vladislav Gavrikov praise, Adam Fox-led “devastating for the haters” stats, and the ongoing war over off-wing assignments. Give it a listen!Podcast Ombudsman Report for Blueshirt Bandwidth Ep. 57Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#57: The Panarin Problem and the Sullivan Solution (01:20:22)
In this week’s episode, Joe and Chip tackle a loaded agenda—from Vitali Kravtsov’s latest exit and the Carson Soucy redemption arc, to whether Chris Drury might have actually been right about Jusso Parssinen. They dive deep into the state of the Rangers’ locker room, Artemi Panarin’s future (and present scoring drought), the team’s offensive identity under Mike Sullivan, and how players like Noah Laba and J.T. Miller are shaping the team’s evolving culture. Plus, an honest look at the power play problems, what to expect when Vincent Trocheck returns, and the ongoing discourse around Alexis Lafrenière. It’s an episode that mixes sharp analysis, honest frustration, and a dash of gallows humor. Give it a listen! Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#56: To Panic or Not To Panic? (01:18:36)
Joe and Eric kick off an early-morning recording session to talk through a sluggish New York Rangers start — and play a new game: Should You Panic or Not? Joe argues the sky is falling after back-to-back losses to the Sharks and Flames, while Eric counters that it’s way too early for a meltdown. They break down the team’s shooting woes, the impact of Vincent Trocheck’s injury, what the analytics say about puck luck, and whether Mike Sullivan’s system is working as intended. Later, they tackle listener questions about culture, communication, and long-term planning under Chris Drury — including what Plan B might look like if this truly is a “gap year.” It’s the “Michael Sauer Episode,” equal parts panic and perspective.Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!Podcast Ombudsman Report for Blueshirt Bandwidth Ep. 55
#55 w/ Jonny Lazarus: The Panarin Question That Could Define the Rangers Season (01:36:28)
It’s episode 55—the Ryan Lindgren episode—of Blueshirt Bandwidth, and Joe and Eric dive into the Rangers’ scoring drought, defensive resurgence, and the growing Artemi Panarin contract debate. After Joe vents about FanDuel going down just as the Rangers finally scored at home, the hosts dig into why New York’s strong process still isn’t turning into goals — from the top-six’s struggles to Connor Sheary’s unexpected promotion. Later, Joe sits down with Jonny Lazarus for an extended chat on the Rangers’ early-season form, whether Brennan Othmann could be trade bait, and what to make of Panarin’s future in New York. It’s part therapy session, part way-too-early trade-deadline speculation, and all Rangers talk. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!Podcast Ombudsman Report for Blueshirt Bandwidth Ep. 54
#54: Three Home Games, Zero Goals, But No Need to Panic (01:18:26)
The Rangers’ panic button can stay in its box—at least for now. Joe and Eric record live during the Edmonton game to talk through what’s actually worth worrying about after the early-season rollercoaster. From the centennial jerseys and the “junkyard dog” energy of the bottom six to Mike Sullivan’s system slowly taking shape, they dig into why the team’s identity might finally be showing up below the top line. The guys hit on Trocheck’s LTIR situation, Morrow vs. Vaakanainen, and the surprising steadiness of the defense, while also debating whether it’s time to bump Noah Laba up and what’s really going on with Panarin. Plus: a well-earned ode to Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom for turning the fourth line into something terrifying—in the best way possible. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#53 w/ Katie Baker: Old Problems Return as the Rangers Stumble Out of the Gate (01:35:27)
Blueshirt Bandwidth returns with a special guest—The Ringer’s Katie Baker—to dissect the Rangers’ season-opening flop and what it really says about this team. Joe, Eric, and Katie dive deep into Noah Laba’s surprise roster spot, Scott Morrow’s puzzling demotion, and why the Rangers still can’t seem to shake old habits. They debate whether New York actually believes it’s a Stanley Cup contender, what to make of Conor Sheary’s addition, and the big-picture question of speed—or lack thereof—across the roster. Plus: what Connor McDavid’s “McSensible” contract extension means for the league and why the Rangers may have missed their shot on Jake Guentzel. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $85/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
An Update from Blueshirt Banter: New Membership Tiers, Same Commitment (00:13:55)
This special episode isn’t about Rangers hockey—it’s about Blueshirt Banter itself. Joe and Eric explain the new membership tiers, what stays the same for founding members, and why these changes are needed to keep the site ad-free and growing. Plus, details on new features coming to the website and how you can save $20 and get the new Premium Access membership at the old price. Give it a listen and then become a member at the link below!Big News: New Membership Tiers at Blueshirt Banter
#52: One Year of the Pod, When Rangers Takes Stop Being Polite and Start Getting Spicy (01:45:51)
This week’s Blueshirt Bandwidth is hotter than usual as Joe and Eric mark the show’s one-year anniversary with a fiery round of Rangers talk. From Brennan Othman’s setback and Noah Laba’s eye-opening preseason to the Conor Sheary roster conundrum and Scott Morrow vs. Urho Vaakanainen debate, nothing is off the table. Add in a few side rants about locker-room leadership, trade deadline possibilities, and even a live Yankees rollercoaster and outbursts from Eric, and you’ve got an episode packed with bite. If you like your Rangers analysis with a little extra spice, this one’s for you. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#51: Preseason Panic Button for Othmann, Perreault Impresses, and the Roster Squeeze (01:34:56)
The Rangers’ preseason is only two games old, but roster battles are already taking shape. Joe and Eric dive into the big questions: Could Conor Sheary really steal a spot from Brennan Othmann? Has Gabe Perreault played his way into the opening night lineup? And is Noah Laba forcing the team’s hand at center? Plus, the guys break down the third-line puzzle, the Adam Fox discourse they refuse to entertain, and why the Rangers’ power-play decisions still make no sense. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#50: Captain Miller, Wing Zibanejad, and Rangers Camp Storylines (01:31:23)
Joe and Eric hit the half-century mark of Blueshirt Bandwidth with a loaded episode. They break down the Rangers’ decision to name J.T. Miller the 29th captain in franchise history, what it signals about the team’s new identity under Chris Drury and Mike Sullivan, and why Miller’s fiery leadership makes sense now. The guys also dig into Mika Zibanejad’s move to the wing, what it reveals about the Rangers’ shaky center depth, and how young players like Brennan Othman, Will Cuylle, and Brett Berard fit into the lineup puzzle. Plus more on the prospect of acquiring Kirill Kaprizov and a tribute to Rangers legend Ed Giacomin, who passed away this week.Plus, listener questions on Igor Shesterkin’s workload, Dylan Garand’s chances, nostalgic trades of Brian Leetch and Mike Richter, “movies so bad they’re good,” and plenty of (Blueshirt) banter in between. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#49: Brennan Othmann’s Clock, Adam Fox’s Critics, and the Rangers’ Roster Crunch (01:00:55)
Joe and Eric dive into the final dog-days episode of the offseason, tackling the start of Rangers rookie camp and the growing scrutiny around Brennan Othmann. They debate whether Othmann is truly “on the clock,” what a successful season would look like for him, and how the roster logjam of young wingers complicates his runway. The hosts also unpack Mike Sullivan’s recent comments on Adam Fox, push back against the narrative that Fox isn’t elite, and highlight just how valuable he remains in the league’s hierarchy of defensemen. Listener questions spark discussions about Kaprizov’s rejected mega-extension, whether the Rangers should pursue Rasmus Andersson, the weirdness of Matt Grzelcyk still being unsigned, and what it might take to make New York a viable landing spot for McDavid, Eichel, or Kaprizov.As always, the banter is sharp, the analysis is strong, and yes—there’s even an enchilada tangent. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#48: Dog Days & Big Paydays—Kaprizov, Panarin, and the Rangers’ Burning Questions (01:24:52)
Joe and Eric return for the 48th episode of Blueshirt Bandwidth, where summer doldrums meet big-picture debates. They kick things off with some Notre Dame college football tangents. From there, it’s back to Rangers talk: Calvin de Haan’s NHL future (or lack thereof), the ripple effects of mega-contract rumors around stars like Kaprizov, and what those numbers mean for the salary cap and Igor Shesterkin’s deal. Listeners’ questions fuel the heart of the show: How excited should fans really be heading into 2025-26? Which Ranger must rebound most—Mika Zibanejad or Alexis Lafrenière—for the team to take a step forward? Is the fourth line truly set? Plus: Artemi Panarin’s next contract, his Hall of Fame case, and the most egregious movies Joe hasn’t seen (prepare to be appalled). Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#47: The Kreider Snub, Power Play Puzzles, and Eichel’s $15M Price Tag (00:50:56)
Live from a hotel room in New Orleans, Joe and Eric dive into Episode 47 of Blueshirt Bandwidth—the Steven Kampfer episode. With little real Rangers news to chew on, the guys still find plenty to debate: from the bizarre exclusion of Chris Kreider in the Rangers’ 100th anniversary video, to the power play puzzle without one of the NHL’s top net-front presences, to where Alexis Lafrenière actually fits in Mike Sullivan’s system. Listener questions take things further, sparking conversation about Adam Fox’s playoff performances, future free agent targets (yes, including Jack Eichel’s rumored $15M ask), whether Brad Park deserves jersey retirement recognition, and the ongoing development of Braden Schneider. Plus, a few tangents about hotels, Western Conference exec gossip, and Chip23’s uncanny knack for stirring up arguments. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#46: Mika on the Wing? Sullivan’s Big Bet for the Rangers (01:09:00)
Joe and Eric dive into Dan Rosen’s “Three Questions Facing the Rangers,” focusing on Mike Sullivan’s surprising plan to start Mika Zibanejad on the wing alongside J.T. Miller. They break down what that means for the team’s center depth, Vincent Trocheck’s role, and the futures of Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard, and Will Cuylle. The guys also tackle questions from subscribers on Braden Schneider’s development, Dylan Garand’s path to the NHL, the captaincy debate, and USA Hockey’s Olympic roster outlook and the insane Adam Fox slander. Plus, some shots at Dom Luszczyszyn’s contract grades, Marc Messier’s coaching “what-ifs,” and a hilarious look at Gerard Gallant’s Shanghai Dragons intro video. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!Shanghai Dragons Gerard Gallant announcement video
#45: The Blueshirt Banter Fantasy Expansion Draft (01:40:26)
In the first-ever Blueshirt Banter Fantasy Expansion Draft, Eric, Joe, and special guest commissioner Roberto battle it out to build the best imaginary NHL franchise. With protection lists set, cap constraints looming, and plenty of chirps flying, the trio navigates surprising unprotected stars, risky long-term bets, and bargain gems—plus a few hilarious mispronunciations along the way. From strategic steals to baffling oversights, it’s part draft, part roast, and all Banter. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!Blueshirt Banter Fantasy Expansion DraftVote on who drafted the better expansion team
#44 w/ Keegan Jarvis: What Does the Wolf Pack Say? (01:37:04)
In this week’s episode, Joe and Eric kick things off by embracing the dog days of summer with an unhinged examination of Rangers jersey numbers—including a nice one that has never been issued—and the return of Vitali Kravtsov (sort of). Then, they’re joined by Keegan Jarvis, Hartford Wolf Pack correspondent for Blueshirt Banter, for a long-awaited breakdown of all things Wolf Pack. Keegan shares insight on the Rangers’ AHL development pipeline, expectations for Brennan Othman, Brett Berard, and Gabe Perreault, and what Scott Morrow’s path to the NHL might look like. Plus: listener questions, predictions, PTO speculation, and a mini therapy session about the team’s drafting history. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#43: Conor Sheary and One Big Rangers AMA (01:08:12)
Joe and Eric return for Episode 43—the Marty Biron episode—with a mailbag special. They open with thoughts on Conor Sheary’s curious PTO and what it signals about Mike Sullivan’s influence, the logjam of forwards, and how the Rangers will handle their crop of young players, including Brennan Othman and Gabe Perreault. From there, it’s a listener-driven AMA covering Marco Rossi, regression to the mean, expansion cities, contraction debates, who they’d steal from the 1994 team (hint: it’s not Messier), and plenty more. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#42 w/ Scott Wheeler: Chris Kreider’s Exit Interview, Lafrenière’s Ceiling, & What’s Next for NYR Prospects (01:50:20)
Joe and Eric are back and they’re joined by The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler to break down the Rangers’ draft strategy, prospect development, and why Gabe Perreault and Scott Morrow could play big roles this season. They also dig into Chris Kreider’s amicable departure and Wolverine-hand saga, reassess the upside of Alexis Lafrenière, and debate the risks and rewards of trading for a top draft pick. Whether you're high on the Rangers' young core or skeptical about their timeline, this one’s for you. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
#41: Safe Moves and Spicy Takes: Maloney, McDavid, and Most Punchable Faces (00:54:51)
Joe and Eric tackle the dog days of summer with no shortage of hot takes. From the Rangers’ safe pick of Dave Maloney to join Kenny Albert in the MSG broadcast booth, to the team’s flavorless schedule reveal, the guys dive into all things off-ice—and offbeat. They debate Chris Kreider’s reported anger over a missing tribute video, fantasize about Connor McDavid trade scenarios, and break down where Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard might fit in Mike Sullivan’s system. There’s also talk of power play shakeups, punchable NHL faces (looking at you, Paul Maurice), and the most iconic Rangers moments since 2010. It’s a little messy, a little emotional, and very Blueshirt Banter. Give it a listen!Subscribe to Blueshirt Banter for $65/year to read and comment on all of our great content!
