Episode 16

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Published on:

7th May 2024

EPISODE 16: Bucci Strikes Again! Round Two Playoff Preview with John Buccigross | Matchups, Goalie Battles & A Tribute to Barry Melrose

In this special playoff edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren welcome back John Buccigross—longtime ESPN studio host and play-by-play voice—for a comprehensive Round Two Stanley Cup Playoff Preview.

Together, they break down each series with expert analysis, highlighting strategic matchups, standout players, and potential x-factors. From the Rangers vs. Hurricanes chess match to the high-octane Oilers vs. Canucks battle, no angle goes uncovered.

In addition to playoff projections, they reflect on Round One surprises, coaching brilliance, and roster depth, as well as goalies who could tip the scales—like Jake Oettinger and Alexandar Georgiev.

The episode concludes with a heartfelt Human Side of the Story, saluting hockey legend Barry Melrose, who recently retired after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Melrose’s legacy in the game, both as a coach and charismatic broadcaster, is remembered with deep respect and admiration.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:17] Round Two matchups and playoff format dynamics

[03:13] The Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff window and future

[05:36] Round One Recap + Round Two predictions with John Buccigross

[07:17] New York Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes

[18:00] Boston Bruins vs. Florida Panthers

[29:28] Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche

[31:51] Key players and system analysis

[33:14] Goaltending showdown: Georgiev vs. Oettinger

[42:53] Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers

[52:45] Human Side of the Story: Barry Melrose’s influence on hockey

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Toronto’s playoff future remains uncertain as they face cap constraints and core-player decisions.
  • Peter DeBoer’s coaching journey is a testament to persistence and NHL respect—he consistently rebounds and leads playoff contenders.
  • Goaltending matchups are pivotal in Round Two, with several series likely decided by netminder performances.
  • Barry Melrose’s retirement marks the end of an era. His storytelling, personality, and love for hockey elevated coverage and grew the game for decades.

RESOURCE LINKS:

📺 John Buccigross: BucciOT.com

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

🟦 X (Twitter): 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

SPONSORS & OFFERS:

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👖 DUER: Durable, stylish jeans for life on the move. Save 20% at shopduer.com/NHLFAN with code NHLFAN.

💼 The Nintzel Wealth Partners: Personalized financial strategies tailored for hockey professionals and fans alike. Learn more: Nintzel Wealth Partners

ABOUT JOHN BUCCIGROSS:

John Buccigross is a lead NHL play-by-play commentator at ESPN and host of The Point, ESPN2’s flagship hockey studio show. Known for his passion for college and professional hockey, Buccigross also covers the NCAA Frozen Fourand co-created the “#BucciOvertimeChallenge.” He is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most engaging voices and storytellers.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #StanleyCup #Playoffs #ESPN #JohnBuccigross #BucciOT #HockeyAnalysis #NeilSmith #VicMorren #BarryMelrose #BostonBruins #FloridaPanthers #EdmontonOilers #VancouverCanucks #ColoradoAvalanche #DallasStars #NewYorkRangers #CarolinaHurricanes #TML #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.