Episode 11

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Published on:

2nd Apr 2024

EPISODE 11: Capital Gains with Craig Laughlin | Ovechkin, Hyman’s 50 Goals & the Capitals’ Playoff Push

In Episode 11 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren sit down with Craig Laughlin, former NHL forward and current Washington Capitals TV analyst, for a thoughtful conversation about the Capitals' performance, playoff prospects, and the evolution of broadcasting and hockey culture.

Laughlin reflects on his NHL career, shares fun behind-the-scenes stories about Alexander Ovechkin, and offers insights on the Capitals’ current roster, goaltending challenges, and how the coaching staff has adapted to injuries to players like Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie.

The episode also tackles the recent controversy surrounding Zach Hyman’s 50-goal milestone, addressing criticisms of privilege in hockey and the deeper conversation around character, work ethic, and earning success at the highest level.

They also examine John Hynes’ decision to pull the goalie in overtime, sparking debate over the risks and historical precedent of the move.

The episode concludes with The Human Side of the Story, celebrating Hyman’s journey and honoring the diverse paths players take to achieve greatness.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:45] One-Timers: MVP races and potential award winners

[05:05] Craig Laughlin joins the show: career reflections and Capitals commentary

[14:40] Evaluating Washington’s playoff positioning

[21:45] Goaltending performance: Darcy Kuemper and Charlie Lindgren

[23:54] Washington’s playoff strategy and remaining schedule

[25:49] Capitals' key contributors and rebuilding outlook

[27:27] Prospects like Ryan Leonard and future team impact

[29:01] Ovechkin’s legacy and locker room culture

[35:03] The joy of broadcasting and keeping the game fun

[38:26] Goalies pulled in OT: risk vs reward

[42:52] Human Side of the Story: Hyman’s 50-goal season and the conversation around privilege

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Craig Laughlin offers an insider view into the Washington Capitals’ culture, resilience, and how the team is evolving during a critical stretch.
  • Ovechkin’s presence continues to shape the team both on and off the ice, especially in times of adversity.
  • The controversial conversation around Zach Hyman’s background is met with firm support for merit-based success in the NHL.
  • Strategic coaching moves, including pulling the goalie in OT, prompt lively debate over tradition, analytics, and innovation.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787

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ABOUT CRAIG LAUGHLIN:

Craig Laughlin, born September 14, 1957, is a former NHL right winger and current TV color analyst for the Washington Capitals on Monumental Sports Network. Laughlin played for the Montreal Canadiens, Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, and Toronto Maple Leafs between 1981 and 1989, bringing depth, grit, and leadership to every locker room he entered.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #WashingtonCapitals #CraigLaughlin #AlexanderOvechkin #ZachHyman #StanleyCup #GoalieStrategy #SportsCommentary #NHLPlayoffs #DarcyKuemper #CharlieLindgren #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHLWraparound

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About the Podcast

NHL Wraparound Podcast
Neil Smith & Vic Morren
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.