NHL Wraparound Podcast
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© Copyright 2026 Neil Smith & Vic Morren
Description
Breadth and depth.
Contemporary and historical.
Straight-forward and experienced.
The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey League.
Bringing decades of experience from their respective fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, one needs to understand its past.
With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top.
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed.
Bio’s
Neil S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years.
Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics, Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings.
Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
A Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.
Vic Morren: Born in New York City close to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production manager.
A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original deal the network had with the NHL.
After departing in 1990, Morren worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22. Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night Football coverage in 2003.
His relationship with Neil Smith dates back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an overall enriching podcast experience.
Contemporary and historical.
Straight-forward and experienced.
The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey League.
Bringing decades of experience from their respective fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, one needs to understand its past.
With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top.
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed.
Bio’s
Neil S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years.
Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics, Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings.
Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
A Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.
Vic Morren: Born in New York City close to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production manager.
A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original deal the network had with the NHL.
After departing in 1990, Morren worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22. Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night Football coverage in 2003.
His relationship with Neil Smith dates back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an overall enriching podcast experience.
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Devils captain and Hall of Famer Scott Stevens joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for comprehensive career discussion. From greatest open ice hits in NHL history to remarkable stat of only four elbowing penalties in 22-year career, hear about three Stanley Cups with three different coaches (Jacques Lemaire revolutionary system, Larry Robinson fired Robbie Ftorek late season, Pat Burns enforcing not changing). Kitchener Rangers Memorial Cup winner number retired, Washington Capitals fifth overall 1982 scoring first goal first shot on Eddie Mio at MSG with parents there, Brian Engblom mentorship sitting down every game going over roster, free agency compensation awarded to Devils for Brendan Shanahan (Curtis Joseph and Rod Brind'Amour equalization), never wanting to leave St. Louis but Lou Lamoriello at airport with car seats, Bruce Driver captain awkwardness, learning from 1994 Rangers loss in Eastern Final (best Devils team personnel wise), 1995 sweep Detroit in lockout season feeling invincible, Eric Lindros hit 2000 Game 7, Slava Kozlov and Paul Kariya hits, leading by example hitting guys with head down in practice, 13 All-Star games 908 career points never minus player any season, and first number retired in Devils history. Plus Three Stooges fan, growing up with three brothers competitive, and Dwight Schofield tough protector.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: Hall of Fame Edition Scott Stevens[01:00] - Long history great open ice hitters: Eddie Shore to Jacob Trouba[02:00] - Perhaps greatest open ice hitter: Scott Stevens joins[03:00] - Honor: got to know each other 1996 Team Canada, did TV together[04:00] - Rangers nemesis: Devils great rivalry so many years[05:00] - Great hit given out today: guy has to fight after clean hit[06:00] - Delivered lot great hits: caught guys head down, ever have to fight?[07:00] - No don't remember: hitting big part of game[08:00] - This day: would just turn cheek if good clean hit[09:00] - Almost let them take penalty: try to swing game[10:00] - Get it wanna stand up: good clean hits shouldn't happen[11:00] - Bothers me too: find it very interesting[12:00] - Sometimes might be free passes given: when does happen big news[13:00] - People want retribution on hit: my feeling on it[14:00] - In my day: used to finish all hits[15:00] - Guy working get red line dump in: make him pay[16:00] - So few and far between: especially big ones, everyone gets up in arms[17:00] - Connor Bedard hurt rookie season: Brendan Smith clean hit[18:00] - Nick Foligno credit: automatically fought Smith, stepped up on Bedard[19:00] - Clean hit: happened in New Jersey[20:00] - Do research: even as well as think you know somebody[21:00] - Scotty Bowman on: 92 years old, sharp certainly sharper than me[22:00] - Looking at your life: never realized been with Capitals[23:00] - Kitchener Ranger: yeah for one year[24:00] - Numbers retired by Kitchener Rangers: wonderful year, great team[25:00] - Lot players went on NHL: fortunate win Memorial Cup, very special year[26:00] - Moved on some stayed back: wanted to fast track as quick as possible[27:00] - Tremendous year: still keep in touch, reunions, great group[28:00] - One strongest teams ever seen junior hockey[29:00] - Wore number three Kitchener: number three Washington[30:00] - End of number three? Number two St. Louis[31:00] - Devils couldn't get three: Kenny had that, Lou sort of gave me four[32:00] - Miles O'Connor might have four: took four, great number[33:00] - Looked good on Bobby Orr: not Bobby Orr but special number[34:00] - Fifth overall 1982: first game first goal on first shot[35:00] - Remember it: only one really remember[36:00] - Just outside blue line: parents at Madison...
Addiction medicine physician Dr. Lipi Roy joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for critical discussion on gambling crisis in professional sports. From NBA betting scandals (Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, Damon Jones arrested, Jontay Porter permanently banned) to NCAA allowing athletes bet on pro sports despite Fresno State basketball conspiracy, hear comprehensive analysis of behavioral addiction science. Dr. Roy explains dopamine triggers, why competitive Type A athletes are high-risk, how male brain doesn't fully develop until 25, prop bet dangers enabling fixes, Swedish study showing 15x suicide rate for gambling disorder, American Heart Association research linking problematic gambling to 50% arterio sclerosis rates, and profound shame leading to depression. Plus treatment options including medications (not FDA approved yet) and cognitive behavioral therapy, why NHL Player Assistance Program needs separate gambling category, 2018 Supreme Court ruling allowing $120 billion legally wagered 2023, 10-year-old kids seeing DraftKings FanDuel ads at Madison Square Garden normalizing behavior, and why regulation matters when genie can't go back in bottle. Toronto-born hockey fan since age 9 combines medical expertise with deep sport understanding.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: Pro Sports Self-Inflicted Problem with Dr. Lipi Roy Encore Episode[01:00] - October 23 NBA rocked: Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, Damon Jones arrested[02:00] - Rigged poker games: connections organized crime, insider betting schemes[03:00] - Jontay Porter: Toronto Raptors forward permanently banned from NBA[04:00] - Betting scandals over century: 1919 Black Sox throwing World Series[05:00] - Pete Rose: Cleveland Guardians Luis Ortiz, Emmanuel Clase under suspicion[06:00] - Throwing intentional balls: first pitches of innings since middle of summer[07:00] - Basketball 1951 point shaving: CCNY, NBA referee Tim Donaghy 2007[08:00] - Football several players suspended: violating NFL gambling policy recent years[09:00] - Hockey two years ago: Shane Pinto suspended 41 games[10:00] - Friends bet for him US while in Canada: claims did not wager NHL games[11:00] - Gambling and addiction: problem continues to fester in society[12:00] - Major leagues in bed with casinos: only matter of time[13:00] - Young people drawn into gambling: knowing much more than I will[14:00] - Dr. Lipi Roy: addiction medicine physician, international speaker[15:00] - National media medical commentator: MSNBC, NBC News, CNN, News Nation[16:00] - Forbes contributor: founder CDA Med health speaking company[17:00] - Host YouTube show: Health, Humor and Harmony, Health Hockey and Leadership[18:00] - Hockey and Mental Health gala: met in New York City[19:00] - Diehard hockey fan since 9 years old: born and raised Toronto like Neil[20:00] - Later years studied medicine: lucky to be physician, addiction medicine specialty[21:00] - Addiction like heart disease: can affect absolutely anybody[22:00] - Not moral feeling: sports betting form of gambling on rise[23:00] - All sports pro leads: hockey not any different, clearly health consequences[24:00] - Can be really serious problematic issue[25:00] - Gambling addiction: brain gets addicted to, not something you ingest[26:00] - Adrenaline from gambling: what happens in brain?[27:00] - Glad you brought B word: brain most complex machine known to humankind[28:00] - Explain to patients and public: how I kind of explain it[29:00] - Think of addiction: think drugs, alcohol, cocaine, heroin[30:00] - Substance use disorders: drug alcohol addictions true[31:00] - Another type category: behavioral addictions[32:00] - Gambling, gaming, pornography: work, social media, devices, food[33:00] -...
They started 0-3-0 and were still three games below .500 on the morning of Dec. 9. Simply put, 2025-26 was shaping us the same way as the past 14 seasons have for the Buffalo Sabres.28 games later, nobody's laughing at the Sabres any more. Though there's been a slight cool down over the past week, Buffalo News columnist Mike Harrington returns to the show to share what's been behind the stunning turnaround.In Three Things You Need to Pay Attention to, the Olympic break is upon us, the Panthers and Lightning were at it again and Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl calls the coaching staff.IN THIS EPISODE:[01:19] – Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To.[11:49] – Mike Harrington from the Buffalo News makes an encore appearance and immediately dives into why the Sabres have done such an about-face - without moving any players.[15:16] - Neil poses the question as to when team owner Terry Pegula got an epiphany to finally make moves within the front office - moves which have quietly altered the culture of the franchise.[17:31] - The difference in the on-ice product under the guidance of head coach Lindy Ruff.[19:34] - Further elaboration on the Sabres depth and potential damage they could do if they qualify for the post-season.[21:41] - Mike shares a pattern he sees with the 2025-26 Sabres and the one coached by Ruff in 2006 which reached the seventh game of the East Final.[23:29] - Will pending UFA Alex Tuch remain with his hometown team beyond this season?[25:56] - As the trade deadline looms, the holes which need to be filled in order to secure that elusive playoff spot.[30:30] - Wrapping up the discussion with Mike Harrington.[31:48] - With the Rangers trade of Artemi Panarin to the Kings, Neil looks at the moves made by GM Chris Drury since taking the team over in 2021.[35:59] - Top NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna charged with in connection with an altercation Saturday evening that left a man with a broken jaw.[39:30] - Matvei Michkov's playing time has decreased under Rick Tocchet in Philadelphia. The GM isn't moving the player and head coach is in the first year of a five-year deal.[42:19] - Plaudits for the offensive defensemen, two of which hit the 20-goal mark over the past couple of days.[44:00] - Personnel notes with best wishes to Hall of Fame Craig Patrick, who is recovering from a stroke.[46:21] - What the Olympic break means for NHL teams...and us.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #MikeHarrington #BuffaloNews #BraydenPoint #SethJarvis #Milano-Cortina #MatthewTkachuk #BrandonHagel #J.J.Moser #GustavForsling #PaulMaurice #JamieKompon #BradMarchand #EvanRodrigues #AaronEkblad #DaniilTarasov...
After being held out of the Rangers lineup, star forward Artemi Panarin has a new home on the left coast having been dealt to the Los Angeles Kings for a prospect and a draft pick.Vic and Neil chat about the impact to both clubs and also discuss a smaller deal which took place between the Blues and Devils.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #QuickTakes #ArtemiPanarin #LosAngelesKings #LiamGreentree #WindsorSpitfires #OHL #ChrisDrury #NickBjugstad #StLouisBlues #ThomasBordeleau #NewJerseyDevils #DougArmstrong #TomFitzgerald
He's won two Stanley Cups. In fact, he's won everywhere he's coached. Still, Jon Cooper has never won the Jack Adams Trophy as Coach of the Year. That may have to change in June as Cooper as has led the Lightning to the top spot in the Eastern Conference despite dealing with a decimated defense all season.Coming off the dramatic Stadium Series Sunday, the Lightning had more late heroics in store Tuesday on a night where all but one game was decided in the third period.Vic and Neil break it down and also chat about three controversial game winners on Monday, Steven Stamkos moving up the all-time goal scoring list and Olympic replacements.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #QuickTakes #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #AnthonyCirelli #NickPaul #JoshDoan #DarrenRaddysh #JakeGuentzel #NikitaKucherov #JonCooper #JackAdamsAward #VictorHedman #RyanMcDonagh #ErikCernak #NHLStadiumSeries #JulienBriseBois #WarrenYoung #MarioLemieux #EvanBouchard #FilipHronek #AlexLyon #JohnGibson #SteveYzerman #MarcoKasper #LucasRaymond #MathieuOlivier #ElvisMerzlikins #SheldonKeefe #RickBowness #DonWaddell #JackHughes #JordanStaal #BrandonBussi #JakeSanderson #FrederikAndersen #PyotrKochetkov #ProvidenceBruins TheAHL.com #MaineMariners #ECHL #WilliamNylander #MatiasMaccelli #AnthonyStolarz #LeonDraisaitl #ClaudeGiroux #ErikKarlsson #DanMuse #DaveJackson #KirillKaprizov #JoelErikssonEk #NickSuzuki #ConnorHellebuyck #MiroHeiskanen #MarkScheifele #ThomasHarley #FrancoisSt.Laurent #MartinBiron #TSN #AndrewBrunette #JustusAnnunen #JuuseSaros #StevenStamkos #DinoCiccarelli #BobbyHull #BarryTrotz #RyanO'Reilly #LukeEvangelista #QuinnHughes #CaleMakar #MatthewTkachuk #AleksanderBarkov #TomasNosek #BradMarchand #SethJones #DmitryKulikov #AntonLundell #MorganRielly #ZachBenson #NickPaul #FilipChytil #AdamFoote #DevonToews #SamBennett #BraydenPoint #JoonasKorpisalo #Ukko-PekkaLuukkonen #MikeHarrington #BuffaloNews
Monday morning saw the surprise announcement that Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz would be stepping down, though he would remain in his current role until a replacement is found.Vic and Neil so a quick look into what impact this has on a team that has bounced back after a rough season-and-a-half and are looking to squeeze into a Wild Card spot in the West.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #QuickTakes #BarryTrotz #DavidPoile #BillHaslam #AndrewBrunette #RyanO'Reilly #StevenStamkos #BradySkjei
The first night of February brought perhaps the wildest outdoor game we've ever seen in a furious comeback win for the host Lightning.That was followed Monday morning by the surprising resignation of Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz.Vic and Neil have the latest along with along with a couple of strong takes coming out of Saturday's games along with the possibility of the playoff field flipping by 50% by the time we get to April.All that plus some odds and ends including Linus Ullmark's return to the Ottawa net, the run by the Blue Jackets and the struggles taking place in Vegas.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #JohnSaunders #BarryTrotz #DavidPoile #StevenStamkos #JonathanMarchessault #BradySkjei #AndrewBrunette #NHLStadiumSeries #ESPN #ABC #WinterClassic #TNT #JonCooper #MarcoSturm #PavelZacha #EliasLindholm #VictorHedman #AnthonyCirelli #MarkKastelic #BraydenPoint #JulienBriseBois #OliverBjorkstrand #RayFerraro #DonSweeney #NikitaKucherov #JakeGuentzel #DavidPastrnak #AndreiVasilevskiy #JeremySwayman #DaleHunter #PierreTurgeon #SteveLevy #MarkMessier #PKSubban #NathanMacKinnon #ErikJohnson #PatrickKane #TomBarrasso #ChrisChelios #BrianLeetch #PhilHousley #BobbyOrr #MikeModano #SteveSimmons #BrettHull #PatLafontaine #QuinnHughes #AustonMatthews #JeremyRoenick #MakrHowe #SidneyCrosby #BobWischusen #ChrisDrury #GeorgeCostanza #ArtemiPanarin #MikaZibanejad #HartfordWolfpack #GerardGallant #MikeSullivan #PeterLaviolette #BillGuerin #VincentIorio #JeffMarek #ConnorHellebuyck #NikolajEhlers #MitchMarner #LinusUllmark #JackHughes #RickBowness #DeanEvason #ConnorMcMichael #MattRoy #MartinFehervary #LoganThompson #CharlieLindgren #ClayStevenson #GarinBjorklund #CarterHart #BrettHowden #WilliamKarlsson #MasonMcTavish #TroyTerry #LeoCarlsson #FrankVatrano #BrockMcGinn #JoelQuenneville #RobertThomas #MartinNecas #KrisLetang #MorganRielly #AlexTurcotte #BradMarchand #AntonLundell #WilliamNylander #AnzeKopitar #TrippTracy #TonyGranato #ShaneWillis #DarylEvans #CammiGranato #CatherineO'Hara #Schitt'sCreek #SidneyCrosby #EvgeniMalkin #MatthewSchaefer #CalvinPickard #ConnorIngram #TristanJarry #MikeHarrington #BuffaloNews
Kenny Albert, Rangers radio voice and one of sports broadcasting's most versatile talents, joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for an in-depth career discussion. From 2025 National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame induction to his autobiography "A Mic for All Seasons" now available on audiobook, hear about calling the 1994 Stanley Cup Final on NHL Radio when Rangers-Canucks matched his two favorite teams, Barry Trotz fake arrest prank in Baltimore Skipjacks days, growing up with legendary father Marv Albert, and preparation differences between 20-30 hour NFL weeks versus NHL games. Plus comprehensive Rangers analysis on inconsistency and JT Miller trade impact, Washington and Winnipeg surprising success, Detroit and Ottawa turnarounds, Islanders injury plague with three waiver pickups, Devils inconsistency despite upgrades, why all three New York teams making playoffs raises excitement, radio versus TV call differences working with Dave Maloney and Eddie Olczyk, Twin Rinks Port Washington skating instructor origin story where Neil first saw Kenny's name, and humbleness making journey to top more fun than being there. Broadcasting legend shares 40 years of career insights.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: A Man for All Seasons with Kenny Albert joining NHL Wraparound[01:00] - Great privilege: reminiscing with good friend Kenny Albert[02:00] - 2025 National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame induction: great names inducted past years[03:00] - Hall of Fame located Commack Long Island: big honor to be included[04:00] - Madison Square Garden press room: sitting with mom and dad after Rangers games[05:00] - Neil scouting for Islanders: innocent days for all of us[06:00] - NHL this season: things didn't see coming or surprised you[07:00] - Two biggest surprises: Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets[08:00] - Washington last year playoffs: tired, old, slow against Rangers[09:00] - Retooled: Pierre-Luc Dubois, Logan Thompson, key players during off-season[10:00] - Alex Ovechkin amazing season: Spencer Carbery a lot of credit[11:00] - Winnipeg: Scott Arniel great guy, assistant coach with Rangers[12:00] - Head coaching opportunity Columbus: long time assistant, takes over where he played[13:00] - East Coast doesn't pay attention: tremendous goaltending Hellebuyck, terrific players[14:00] - Flip side disappointments: Detroit, Ottawa, Buffalo on the rise[15:00] - Todd McLellan coming in: terrific record since took over[16:00] - Ottawa finally next level: challenging for playoff spot, still time left[17:00] - Montreal rough start then great stretch: right in mix as well[18:00] - Pittsburgh impressive without Crosby and Malkin: leading up to break[19:00] - Not many teams really out of it: three-point games, 25-26 games remaining[20:00] - Players get to refresh: 100 players Four Nations, others recharge[21:00] - Doing color with Kenny at Joe Louis Arena: Detroit on Versus/OLN[22:00] - Over-preparer: tend to do even more than probably need[23:00] - Learning tricks of trade: what to do and what not to do through years[24:00] - Keep all game sheets: file cabinet to my left, could pull it out[25:00] - 1994 Stanley Cup Final: NHL Radio, looked through sheets recently[26:00] - Grew up Vancouver Canucks fan but also Rangers fan[27:00] - Working Washington doing Capitals home games cable 1992-95[28:00] - Also WTOP radio station: Rangers-Devils conference final happening[29:00] - Howie Rose and Mike Keenan: 1993 Final NHL Radio, Los Angeles-Montreal[30:00] - 1994: Howie supposed to do NHL Radio final, unavailable if Rangers got there[31:00] - Got call day of Game 3 Rangers-Devils series: would you be interested?[32:00] - 26 years old: of course I'd be interested, Rangers and Canucks my two teams[33:00] -
Columbus Blue Jackets Senior Advisor John Davidson joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren to discuss the young core emerging (Adam Fantilli, Marchenko, Mateychuk, Kent Johnson all popping at same time), Johnny Gaudreau's tragic legacy galvanizing team identity, Sean Monahan's underrated leadership, and why Columbus is positioned for genuine optimism despite missing playoffs. Hear JD's heartfelt tribute to Sam Rosen's 40-year Rangers career and charity work raising tens of millions, the white-knuckle 1994 police car ride to Canyon of Heroes with million people and zero arrests, Rangers implosion analysis with best players falling backward simultaneously, Mike Sullivan's unrelenting coaching impact, Will Cuylle smart business from Lias Andersson trade, Alexei Kovalev Mike Keenan shift story, Rangers not built for playoffs playing east-west, and comprehensive playoff predictions. Plus Doug Armstrong planting trees quote, Gabriel Landeskog's remarkable Masterton Trophy comeback from cartilage transplant, Connor Hellebuyck inexplicable struggles, goaltending lineage from Giacomin through Shesterkin, Lundqvist's first practice impact, and why NHL playoffs are completely unpredictable making them fantastic theater.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: From Blue to Blueshirt to Blue Jacket with John Davidson[01:00] - Three Things: UBS Financial Services, playoff updates[02:00] - JD back on NHL Wraparound: 1994 special with Glen Healy cathartic[03:00] - Jogging memory: very special time, makes your day[04:00] - Paul Maurice: trade deadline podcast, called away for Toffoli trade mid-show[05:00] - Happy for Paul: looked out of gas Winnipeg, revived in Florida[06:00] - Life expectancy with coach in certain city: runs out, doesn't mean bad coach[07:00] - St. Louis Blues: JD president years ago, Doug Armstrong hire by Larry Pleau[08:00] - Doug's edge: nice man, understands business, no fear making decisions[09:00] - 2019 Cup: 10 of 20 players JD brought in when with Blues[10:00] - Doug quote: "Somebody plants trees, somebody else enjoys shade"[11:00] - Draft and develop takes time: 2-3-4 years battle, everybody loses minds[12:00] - Columbus same thing: team coming, gonna be good, well coached[13:00] - Young players JD drafted: Marchenko, Fantilli, Mateychuk, Kent Johnson[14:00] - All popping primarily at same time: self-satisfaction seeing them succeed[15:00] - Montreal nosing out Columbus: frustrating not getting there[16:00] - Week or two prior: weren't scoring, weren't very good[17:00] - Analyzing after disappointment: Columbus in good position, good shape[18:00] - Scoring talent: two or three areas need shoring up, Don Waddell working[19:00] - Genuine room for optimism: Fabbro picked up waivers, fit with Werenski[20:00] - Werenski best season: top three defenseman in game for sure[21:00] - Sean Monahan: tutored Fantilli, underrated very good hockey player[22:00] - Jeff Gorton: when Monahan healthy, we were much better hockey club[23:00] - Missing Monahan with wrist: when in, leadership with young players[24:00] - Boone Jenner leadership group: fought through tragedy and adversity[25:00] - Washington series: skill versus grit and grime, would've given very good battle[26:00] - Not a chance they would've intimidated us: toughness when needed[27:00] - 2024-25 behind, Johnny Gaudreau tragedy: spinning forward to next year[28:00] - Not taking anybody by surprise: how work this forward into mindset?[29:00] - Young players know they're pretty good NHL players now[30:00] - Understand how much stronger they have to get: summer to work on it[31:00] - Instead of shocking feeling after Gaudreau tragedy: team galvanized[32:00] - Johnny's wife spends time in Columbus: team rallies around her, very...
Thursday had to have been one of the best nights we've seen all season. Throwback uniforms, multi-goal comebacks and notable personal achievements all on a night where Patrick Kane becomes the all-time leading U.S.-born point scorer.On a day where we celebrate our two-year podcast anniversary, it's also our 250th original show! Where did that time go?X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #WayneGretzky #QuebecNordiques #HartfordWhalers #PatrickKane #MikeModano #BenChiarot #AlexDebrincat #NicDowd #CharlieLindgren #LoganThompson #JohnGibson #DylanLarkin #ClayStevenson #BarrettHayton #NikolajEhlers #AndreiSvechnikov #ShayneGostisbehere #JordanStaal #LeonDraisaitl #ConnorMcDavid #EvanBouchard #ZachHyman #TimothyLiljegren #JacobTrouba #DrewO'Connor #NikitaTolopilo #RyanPoehling #KevinLankinen #JoelQuenneville #MitchMarner #MikkoRantanen #NikoMikkola #JimmySnuggerud #AleksanderBarkov #JakeNeighbours #JordanKyrou #BradMarchand #NickSuzuki #TravisKonecny #AlexTuch #AlexLyon #KevynAdams #JarmoKekalainen #JasonKarmonos #MarcBergevin #MikeHarrington #BuffaloNews #SidneyCrosby #EvgeniMalkin #ConnorDewar #AnthonyMantha #BenKindel #BlakeLizotte #NoelAcciari #DanMuse #MikeSullivan #DavidPastrnak #MorganGeekie #CaseyMittelstadt #FraserMinton #ViktorArvidsson #PavelZacha #TannerJeannot #MaratKhusnutdinov #MarcoSturm #OndrejPalat #CarsonSoucy #MatthewSchaefer #ErieOtters #OntarioHockeyLeague #BobbyOrr #PhilHousley #BrettLindros #ArtemiPanarin #DavidRittich #IlyaSorokin #JackHughes #Ukko-PekkaLuukkonen #BlakeColeman #DanVladar #RyanDonagh #VictorHedman #RickBowness #NHLStadiumSeries
On a night where the Maple Leafs honored legend Darryl Sittler as the 50th anniversary of his 10-point game nears, the team completed an 0-5-0 homestand in advance of kicking off a 6-game road trip which may seal their fate for this season.Elsewhere, Patrick Kane and Mike Modano are now tied among U.S.-born players for most points, the Islanders pull of a pair of deals with their Metro-area rivals and Vic and Neil do a deeper dive into the success of the Penguins in Bruins this season.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #MikeHarrington #BuffaloNews #CraigBerube #MitchMarner #ConnorMcDavid #AustonMatthews #MorganRielly #JohnTavares #WilliamNylander #DarrylSittler #DaveReece #PatrickKane #MikeModano #AlexDebrincat #CarsonSoucy #OndrejPalat #MaximTsyplakov #MathieuDarche #TomFitzgerald #LouLamoriello #EvanBouchard #MattiasEkholm #MikaelGranlund #JaredMcCann #BrianLeetch #EricDesjardins #JacquesDemers #MarcoSturm #OntarioReign #DanMuse #MikeSulivan #DavidPastrnak #SidneyCrosby #EvgeniMalkin #JoeSacco #BradMarchand #FraserMinton #PavelZacha #ViktorArvidsson #CaseyMittelstadt #AnthonyMantha #JustinBrazeau #BenKindel #TommyNovak #ConnorDewar #NikitaZadorov #ErikKarlsson #StuartSkinner #TristanJarry #ArtursSilovs #JeremySwayman #JoonasKorpisalo #DonSweeney #MikhailSergachev #JimMontgomery #BrockBoeser #BryanRust #ZeevBuium #ThatcherDemko #KevinLankinen #MacklinCelebrini #RickTocchet #AdamFoote #EliasLindholm #JordanKyrou #JakeNeighbours #ColeSmith #DeanEvason #SteveMcCarthy #EricRaymond #MarcoMarciano #SteveSullivan #MarcSavard #BenChiarot #JamesReimer #NathanMacKinnon #CaleMakar
Mitch Marner's return to Toronto has come and gone with the expected mixed reaction amidst his acrimonious departure to Vegas.Vic and Neil discuss Friday's saga and also get into some second guessing surrounding happenings in that game as well as one at UBS Arena Saturday.Six players notched hat tricks over the weekend, three others ended long droughts in helping their respective teams to key wins and the Ducks are in seventh heaven.#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #MirchMarner #JohnTavares #JackEichel #JonathanToews #NicolasRoy #AustonMatthews #ArtemiPanarin #StephaneMatteau #AnthonyStorlarz #TorontoMarlies #WilliamNylander #BrockNelson #CraigBerube #OwenTippett #MathewBarzal #AnthonyDuclair #AndersLee #PatrickRoy #MathieuDarche #EvanBouchard #ZachHyman #ConnorMcDavid #JackMichaels #NikitaZadorov #ZachBolduc #ColeCaufield #MorganGeekie #JuddSirott #PatrickKane #BradMarchand MattBoldy #SamBennett #TobiasBjornfot #HendrixLapierre #BeckettSennecke #KailerYamamoto #MasonMarchment #ErikCernak #MathieuOlivier #Charle-EdouardD'Astous #GageGonclaves #RyanPulock #BoHorvat #FilipChytil #OliverEkman-Larsson #BrandonCarlo #LinusUllmark #MadsSogaard #RasmusAndersson #MarkMessier #MikeHarrington #BuffaloNews
Rangers broadcasting legend Sam Rosen joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for an emotional interview during his 40th and final season as Voice of the New York Rangers. From the iconic "No More Curses, this one will last a lifetime" Game 7 call in 1994 to surviving ownership changes at Madison Square Garden, the beer incident with Alan Cohen, wine collection from NHL coaches, league-wide sendoff overwhelming him, and Kenny Albert's natural succession. Hear about the 1980 OIHL with Neil, working with Phil Esposito and John Davidson, advice for aspiring broadcasters to express love of the game, Bruce Connal hiring him at ESPN, Rick Tocchet gambling story in Phoenix, why 1994 remains the greatest moment any broadcaster could have calling Game 7 at home arena, and the emotional reality of his final game Thursday against Tampa Bay. Born Samuel Rosenblum in Ulm, Germany, this is the story of 40 years at the World's Most Famous Arena.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: His Calls Will Last a Lifetime - Sam Rosen final season celebration[01:00] - Broadcast legend brings down curtain Thursday: Rangers host Tampa at MSG[02:00] - Engaging energetic gentleman off camera exactly same as on air[03:00] - Three Things: Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadians for final Eastern spot[04:00] - Jet Greaves incredible run: 120 of 123 saves last four games, two shutouts[05:00] - Adam Fantilli 30th goal: could be best player from that draft[06:00] - Blue Jackets tragedy: Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Gaudreau, Sean Monahan joining[07:00] - Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues capture wild card spots[08:00] - Calgary Flames eliminated but Adam Huska deserves credit for job done[09:00] - Ducks and Flames: reason for optimism in seasons coming ahead[10:00] - Toronto Maple Leafs take Atlantic: Mitch Marner 100 points, Austin Matthews 400th[11:00] - Craig Berube blueprint exactly what playoffs require[12:00] - Seven of eight matchups set: Washington waiting for Columbus or Montreal[13:00] - Sam Rosen interview begins: old friend from around 1980[14:00] - OIHL: first rotisserie hockey league, fantasy before anybody else[15:00] - 35 years old at Garden: always on edge, how long can this last?[16:00] - 1984-85 first full-time Rangers TV season, backup years before that[17:00] - 40-year run at Madison Square Garden: phenomenal under MSG umbrella[18:00] - Different owners: Paramount, ITT, salary freezes, four ownership groups in 11 years[19:00] - Never thought of it that way: loved what I was doing so much[20:00] - ESPN September 1979: first college football games, Hartford Whalers, Washington Capitals[21:00] - Train rides to DC: scouting and aspiring broadcaster traveling together[22:00] - 1977 February: Jim Gordon sick, recommended Sam for Knicks-Nets radio[23:00] - 1982 Joe Cohen: first contract, three-year deals throughout career[24:00] - Most nervous moment: fan dumped beer on Tom Watt's head, Sam said stop selling beer[25:00] - Next day: Alan Cohen's office, "Sam, we make a lot of money selling beer"[26:00] - "Please be careful what you say" - thanked him, left timidly, still had job[27:00] - Next season: stopped selling beer in third period after second intermission[28:00] - Wine collection: John Cooper Tampa Bay, Plum Jack Cabernet and Merlot[29:00] - Bottles from LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers[30:00] - Thursday night: bringing Plum Jack to booth, Cooper might watch from booth[31:00] - League-wide sendoff: overwhelming, heartwarming, tears come to eyes[32:00] - Professional associates, friendships in every city: former players, executives, GMs[33:00] - Salt Lake City: brand new to NHL, fans amazing, lined up for selfies[34:00] - Phoenix game with Neil: Rick Tocchet
Wayne Gretzky joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for the very first NHL Wraparound episode. The Great One discusses Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers' remarkable 22-3 turnaround in their last 25 games, Connor Bedard adapting after Brendan Smith's legal jaw-breaking hit, generational players from Bobby Orr through Sidney Crosby to Austin Matthews potentially reaching 800 goals, and Alex Ovechkin's chase of 894. Hear about playing at 147 pounds in Indianapolis, learning from Bobby Clarke to play behind the net because Phil Esposito could stand in the box, why today's players are better than the 80s, Gordie Howe's class when records get broken, Edmonton's four-line success with Paul Coffey coaching defense and Mattias Ekholm's impact, Kenny Holland's patience at 2-9 not trading for a goalie, and transitioning to TNT with Liam McHugh, Anson Carter, Henrik Lundqvist and Paul Bissonnette who studies more than people realize. Plus the only wraparound goal Gretz remembers, steak vs salmon game day meals, playing against Mark Messier in Edmonton, and teaching Coyotes kids to be pros on a $25M payroll.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: First NHL Wraparound guest ever, Wayne Gretzky, The Great One[01:00] - Only wraparound goal Gretz remembers: Vancouver 1997 hat trick third goal[02:00] - Darren Blake traveling secretary: ordered salmon in Vancouver, Gretz wanted steak[03:00] - Steak and potato game day meal entire career, never eaten salmon on game day[04:00] - That night scored three goals, last one wraparound against Cloutier[05:00] - Today's kids: Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, practice tricks, get excited[06:00] - Gretz not comfortable with skills competition: nothing to gain, everything to lose[07:00] - Connor Bedard jaw injury: Brendan Smith legal hit coming through middle[08:00] - Smith answering the bell: showed teammates toughness, respect for game[09:00] - First day Indianapolis training camp: 147 pounds, Blaine Stoughton "this is our savior"[10:00] - Playing against bigger competition entire career: 6 vs 10-year-olds, 11 vs 12-year-olds[11:00] - 14 playing against 20-year-olds, 16 playing against 20-year-olds, never big[12:00] - Learned to protect myself through years of bigger competition[13:00] - Age 14 junior B coach Dean Pappas: Phil Esposito greatest center[14:00] - Esposito 500 shots one year, middle of box on power play, nobody could move him[15:00] - Coach: go home watch Bobby Clarke, played out of corners more than behind net[16:00] - Started playing behind net and corners because of size, copying Bobby Clarke[17:00] - Couldn't stand in middle of box: would've been on rear end, guys knocked you over[18:00] - Generational player definition: combination of skill, talent, consistency, championships[19:00] - Gordie Howe retired, Bobby Orr retired, Guy Lafleur retired, Mike Bossy retired[20:00] - Along came Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, Steve Yzerman, game survived[21:00] - Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin: consistent every year, Crosby 37 having best year[22:00] - Both won championships, great for NHL, wonderful in communities[23:00] - Helping people less fortunate, helping kids who want to play hockey[24:00] - Not just on-ice, combination of ice, Stanley Cup, fitting into community[25:00] - Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, Mitch Marner, Austin Matthews, Connor McDavid next[26:00] - Great players, great for league, great in communities[27:00] - Never say we were better in 80s: these kids better than we were 40 years ago[28:00] - Progression: 20 years from now kids will be better than today, how NHL grows[29:00] - Impressed how kids handle themselves, play hard every night, show up competitive[30:00] - Winning Stanley Cup big part: MacKinnon and Makar won, Sidney won, Ovechkin
If ever there was a case to be made about one season having nothing to do with the next, it came over the last two nights. We'll look at four teams from each conference which missed the post-season a year ago and are right in contention while two others who will likely miss again had notable wins.With 60% of the league schedule having been played, we'll give the projections heading into the weekend, the latest personnel notes and, did you hear Mitch Marner is playing in Toronto Friday?X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #JohnGibson #KirillKaprizov #LindyRuff #PeytonKrebs #MitchMarner #MasonMcTavish #TristanJarry #StuartSkinner #AnthonyMantha #SidneyCrosby #LeonDraisaitl #DanMuse #RickBowness #JetGreaves #CharlieCoyle #ZachWerenski #LukasDostal #TroyTerry #LeoCarlsson #JoelQuenneville #GarnetHathaway #NickSchmaltz #DylanGuenther #ClaytonKeller #TravisSanheim #StevenStamkos #RomanJosi #OliverMoore #AlexanderNikishin #NickLardis #FrederickAndersen #AdamFoote #PatrikAllvin #BrockBoeser #EvanderKane #FilipHronek #SpencerCarbury #Pierre-LucDubois #LukeHughes #DougieHamilton #ColtonWhite #DavidPerron #KrisLetang #ErikKarlsson #RyanGraves #JonathanHuberdeau #MartinPospisil #OliverEkman-Larsson #BrandonCarlo #AnthonyStolarz #TorontoMarlies #FrankNazar #FilipChytil #DrewO'Connor #JacksonLacombe #SethJones #JonasBrodin #WilliamNylander #JoshDoan #AlexSteeves #MickeyRedmond #FosterHewittAward
Two significant returns headlined the NHL Monday with one taking a back seat to the first goalie fight the league has seen in almost six years.While a fair amount of attention will be going to the Atlantic Division, plenty of items will be sprayed around the rest of the league. That includes a "Figures" segment noting three games which highlight the unpredictability of the league and why the single season empty net goals against record is likely to gall.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #MadisonSquareGarden #JonathanToews #UnitedCenter #MauriceRichard #MontrealForum #MatthewTkachuk #EvanRodrigues #MackieSamoskevich #VincentDesharnais #AlexNedeljkovic #SergeiBobrovsky #CamTalbot #MikeSmith #PatrickRoy #MikeVernon #ChrisOsgood #EthanBear #BrandonBussi #TageThompson #ColeCaufield #EricFurlatt #LaneHutson #NickSuzuki #MikkoRantanen #JasonRobertson #BillGuerin #PatrikAllvin #AdamFoote #QuinnHughes #KieferSherwood #ThatcherDemko #ColeClayton #ChrisDrury #TravisKonecny #SimonNemec #LukeHughes #CodyGlass #EricRobinson #RasmusDahlin #NikoMikkola #SethJones #DmitryKulikov #JoshNorris #DarcyKuemper #JohhnyBrodzinski #DrewDoughty #ValNichushkin #ZachWhitecloud #RasmusAndersson #JustinSordif #KirbyDach #AlexandreTexier #AnthonyStolarz #TorontoMarlies #LaneLambert #RasmusAndersson #PaulMaurice #SidneyCrosby #ConnorMcDavid
The closeness of the NHL standings shows no sign of changing as the logjam in both conferences continues into the third week of the month.With the Olympic break approaching, GM's are evaluating rosters with upwards of 30 teams having some post-season aspirations. In fact, a major deal was consummated Sunday evening.But in New York, a second letter to fans in eight years as "re-tool" is the catchword in the Big Apple. However, unlike 2018, Chris Drury's memo comes off as damage control - with the damage already having been done.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #HockeyDayinCanada #OliverEkman-Larsson #BobbyMcMann #MaxDomi #AustonMatthews #ConnorHellebuyck #JurajSlafkovsky #AlexandreCarrier #ColeCaufield #TSN #CraigButton #LeeviMerilainen #JamesReimer #AlexDebrincat #MontrealMaroons #ScottyBowman #AlexOvechkin #WayneGretzky #IlyaSorokin #ZachHyman #BraydenPoint #RyanNugent-Hopkins #LeonDraisaitl #NikolajEhlers #AndreiSvechnikov #SergeiBobrovsky #JacobMarkstrom #DaniilTarasov #AleksanderBarkov #SethJones #PaulMaurice #JoelHofer #JordanKyrou #RyanO'Reilly #MarkStone #MarcoSturm #JeremySwayman #JoonasKorpisalo #DavidPastrnak #MorganGeekie #DonSweeney #NateSchmidt #JacksonLaCombe #BeckettSennecke #KevinFiala #MikaelGranlund #LeoCarlsson #ChrisDrury #JeffGorton #JohnDavidson #ArtemiPanarin #K'AndreMiller #OskarSundqvist #CoonorMcDavid #JimMontgomery #MattBoldy #JustinSordif #RodrigoAbols #RasmusRistolainen #MiroHeiskanen #HenriJokiharju #WillSmith #RasmusAndersson #JackEichel #AlexPietrangelo #ZachWhitecloud #AbramWiebe #JeffreyViel #PatVerbeek #SammyHelenius #PhilGoyette #EarlIngarfield #JonthanToews #RickBowness #GlenGulutzan
The Athletic's investigative reporter Katie Strang joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for an unflinching discussion of hockey's unseemly side. Six weeks before training camps open, the July 24, 2024 London Ontario trial concluded with five former NHL players found not guilty of sexual assault. Katie explains the circus-like proceedings, two discharged juries, inadmissible evidence, and split public opinion. From her personal connection to the Larry Nassar case to scrutinizing junior hockey's billeting system, Gary Bettman's eligibility decisions without codified policies, NHLPA labor battles, and the media's responsibility covering systemic abuse. Plus insights on CTE, concussions, Kevin Lowe's brain injury, and why loving hockey means holding it to higher standards.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: Pulling Back the Curtain - hockey's unseemly side July 24, 2024 London trial[01:00] - Katie Strang: investigative writer with The Athletic, top of class with Rick Westhead[02:00] - Rick Westhead: dogged journalist exposing underbelly of sports, dear friend[03:00] - Investigative journalism not initial career plan: Athletic empowered pursuit[04:00] - Larry Nassar case: purpose-driven work, indelibly imprinting personally and professionally[05:00] - Personal connection: competitive gymnast, coach went to jail for sexual abuse[06:00] - Michigan State: knew victims, attended court every day, heavy difficult assignment[07:00] - Processing toll: supportive husband gives grace, kids' joy providing perspective[08:00] - Wanting world safer for kids: every story like potentially my children in crosshairs[09:00] - July 24, 2024: five players found not guilty by Justice Maria Caria[10:00] - Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart acquitted[11:00] - Witness "EM" found not reliable or credible after 2018 World Junior incident[12:00] - Circus from start: most generous interpretation of how trial went[13:00] - Two juries discharged: deeply problematic, offensive, upsetting[14:00] - Juror misconduct allegations against defense counsel not tested with rigor[15:00] - Both juries dismissed: treated jurors disrespectfully after entrusting them[16:00] - Escalated concerns kind of dismissed when warned to report any issues[17:00] - First mistrial set tone: bizarro developments almost every day[18:00] - One hour timeframe: someone arrested for recording with smart glasses[19:00] - Public observer explodes on reporter, banned from premises same hour[20:00] - Delays with tech, AC, clocks: weird mundane things derailing justice[21:00] - Strange experience: lives at stake but technical issues constant[22:00] - Bench trial after juries discharged: public opinion very split on verdict[23:00] - Acquitted of criminal wrongdoing: crown didn't meet burden beyond reasonable doubt[24:00] - Moral component: what happened in hotel room, power dynamics at play[25:00] - Inadmissible evidence: people not constrained by court parameters considering[26:00] - Neil: disgusting even for former pro/junior/college player, cringe-inducing[27:00] - Words Katie had to write, actions taken by young lady, things done by players[28:00] - Players knew better than going to hotel room: stained for life[29:00] - Victim "EM" initials only: five names public, what happens from here?[30:00] - Pre-verdict speculation: would any play again? Not surprised by acquittals[31:00] - Evidence ruled admissible/inadmissible: judge ruled for defense on every matter[32:00] - Katie not interested in "will they play again" conversation in her work[33:00] - Missing important step: NHL and Gary Bettman weighing in on eligibility[34:00] - Bettman immediately after decision: players not eligible, incredibly wide...
Baseball Hall of Fame-caliber manager Bobby Valentine joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for the premiere NHL Wraparound Celebrity Series episode. The former manager of the Texas Rangers (7 years), New York Mets (NL pennant), Boston Red Sox, and two-time champion in Japan shares a lifetime of stories. From playing for 17-year-old Lou Lamoriello in Cape Cod to the iconic 1999 mustache disguise, managing Mike Piazza's emotional 9/11 home run that healed New York, pioneering American success in Japanese baseball, teaching ballroom dancing exhibitions, and calling Shohei Ohtani the greatest athlete in a baseball uniform. Plus the 40-15 prediction he nailed exactly, George W. Bush partnership, Tommy Lasorda's influence, Sacred Heart University athletic director tenure, and philanthropic work with Special Olympics. This is Bobby Valentine uncensored.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome to NHL Wraparound Celebrity Series premiere with baseball legend Bobby Valentine[01:00] - Fifth franchise: stepping outside hockey to learn from sports icons across disciplines[02:00] - Bobby joins from Valentine Sports Academy in Stamford, Connecticut on exercise bike[03:00] - 1994 Stanley Cup photo at Shea Stadium: Rangers or Devils cup with Doug Romano[04:00] - Age 17: playing for Lou Lamoriello in Cape Cod League 1967[05:00] - Lou's baseball background: Providence College coach, Pan-Am League player at 23-24[06:00] - First-generation Italian parents: couldn't spell Cape Cod, Bobby spent summer in Yarmouth[07:00] - Lou's discipline from day one: couldn't ride in trunk of car to road games[08:00] - Baseball vs hockey management: everyday grind, respect of opposition and teammates[09:00] - Accountability on ice same as diamond: only difference hockey players drink more (Canadian thing)[10:00] - Texas Rangers: seven years as manager with George W. Bush as GM/owner[11:00] - Bush made change 1992: "good idea, I was there long enough, time to move on"[12:00] - Japanese GM's mission: finding first non-Japanese manager for professional league[13:00] - Going to Japan: "right-eyed and bushy-tailed gonna teach everyone everything"[14:00] - Learning while teaching: rewarding experience understanding Japanese baseball culture[15:00] - Spectacular Japanese players: Ogasawara and others, closed society not up for change[16:00] - Hideo Nomo: first real MLB player, threw no-hitter when Bobby won championship[17:00] - Cross-section working: 1934 Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig exhibition to modern day[18:00] - Cooperstown Hall of Fame: Ichiro Suzuki induction, US-Japan baseball exhibit[19:00] - Shohei Ohtani: best athlete in baseball uniform ever seen, either side of Pacific Ocean[20:00] - 2006 draft: wanted two-way player, first baseman/pitcher threw 95 mph, drank beer instead[21:00] - What Ohtani's doing is really tough: unprecedented two-way excellence[22:00] - Chiba Lotte Marines: attendance doubled, hosting ballroom dancing classes[23:00] - International ballroom dance champion: teaching chacha to community before games[24:00] - Exhibition in tuxedo with partner: full ballroom dress on field before national anthem[25:00] - Changed costumes during anthem, came out to manage game immediately after[26:00] - 2005 return to Japan: bringing American fan-friendly atmosphere post-1995 MLB strike[27:00] - Kids running bases, autograph sessions: opening up Japanese baseball culture[28:00] - June 1999 Mets: eight-game losing streak, GM fired three coaches instead of addressing players[29:00] - Predicted 40-15 in next 55 games or would quit: media ready to hold feet to fire[30:00] - Catcher's balk: Mike Piazza stepped outside box before Pat Mahomes (Patrick's father) released[31:00] - Randy Marsh call: read about it for years, never seen it
The much-awaited first game between Mitch Marner and his former Maple Leafs teammates did not disappoint in a night rife with terrific storylines.In Boston, #33 was raised to the rafters while the Sabres did some honoring of their own in winning for the 15th time in 17 games. The Jets and Blue Jackets are showing signs of life while the 20-game point streak of Connor McDavid comes to an end.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound.com #ShortShifts #NYCentric #CelebritySeries #HallofFameEdition #StanleyCupdate #SummerCoolers #Smith'sPix #NeilSmith #VicMorren #PatrickHoffman #NHL #SummerCoolers #AnaheimDucks # #BostonBruins #BuffaloSabres #CalgaryFlames #CarolinaHurricanes #ChicagoBlackhawks #ColoradoAvalanche #ColumbusBlueJackets #DallasStars #DetroitRedWings #EdmontonOilers #FloridaPanthers #LosAngelesKings #MinnesotaWild #MontrealCanadiens #NashvillePredators #NewJerseyDevils #NewYorkIslanders #NewYorkRangers #OttawaSenators #PhiladelphiaFlyers #PittsburghPenguins #StLouisBlues #SanJoseSharks #SeattleKraken #TampaBayLightning #TorontoMapleLeafs #UtahMammoth #VancouverCanucks #VegasGoldenKnights #WashingtonCapitals #WinnipegJets #MitchMarner #AustonMatthews #TomasHertl #MatthewKnies #PavelDorofeyev #JackEichel #MarkStone #AdinHill #WilliamNylander #NicolasRoy #JohnTavares #ZdenoChara #EddieShore #RedHorner #GordieHowe #MattRempe #DarrenLangdon #WadeRedden #PeterChiarelli #ZiggyPalffy #MaxPacioretty #MatsZuccarello #AdamOates #BrettHull #TageThompson #LaneHutson #JonathanToews #ConnorHellebuyck #KevinCheveldayoff #NealPionk #ColinMiller #HadynFleury #VictorHedman #RyanMcDonagh #ErikCernak #RickBowness #ElvisMerzlikins #ConnorMcDavid #LeonDraisaitl #EvanBouchard #AnthonyDuclair #IlyaSorokin #LaneLambert #BarryTrotz #MatthewSchaefer #KarelVejmelka #BillArmstrong #DevinCooley #DustinWolf #RickTocchet #JohnTortorella #JamieDrysdale #PavolRegenda #MacklinCelebrini #WillSmith #RyanLeonard #AlexNedeljkovic #JakobChychrun #RobertThomas #JonasBrodin #JoelErikssonEk #DanVladar #BrandonMontour #MiroHeiskanen #AlexandreTexier #BradMarchand #AleksanderBarkov #MatthewTkachuk #JoelQuenneville #BillGuerin #DougieHamilton #RyanNugent-Hopkins #KevinLowe
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