Episode 17

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Published on:

15th May 2024

EP 17 Unbiased: With Former NHL Referee Dave Jackson

Dave Jackson, former NHL referee and current ESPN Rules Analyst,  joins Neil and Vic to discuss the intensity of playoff hockey, the role and challenges of officials, and the evolution of the two-man officiating system. 

They explore video review complexities and the subjective nature of certain calls. Critiquing the rules like hand passing in the defensive zone and puck-over-glass penalties, while Jackson suggests reforms, such as allowing hand passes across all areas of the ice. They also discuss simplifying offside reviews and adjusting instigator penalties to reduce fighting.

Debate on the Toronto Maple Leafs' salary cap management and coaching decisions, discussing the trend of firing coaches without clear improvements. Concluding with the Human Side of the Story on fan emotion swings in the second round.



IN THIS EPISODE: 


  • [00:41] Spotlight on unexpected Playoff Heroes
  • [01:46] One Timers: Analyzing playoff team dynamics
  • [05:40] Referee Insights with Dave Jackson
  • [14:23] The rigorous life of NHL Officials
  • [17:43] Evolution of NHL officiating and rules analysis
  • [29:20] Debating hockey rules and penalties
  • [30:10] Expanding the hand pass rule
  • [31:37] Controversy of puck over glass and goal scoring rules
  • [35:10] Offside rule revisions and the impact on the game
  • [37:47] Addressing open ice hits and instigator penalties
  • [43:50] Navigating the Maple Leafs' coaching and salary cap challenges
  • [50:48] Human Side of the Story: Fan Emotions 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • The Stanley Cup playoffs are highly competitive due to the evenly matched teams, with no clear dominant "super team."
  • Goaltender interference is a complex and subjective area of officiating, with video review adding another layer of judgment.
  • NHL referees undergo rigorous physical and mental preparation to handle the demands of officiating games, including the transition to a two-man system.
  • Fans experience intense emotions, ranging from elation to despair, based on their team's performance in the playoffs.


Send questions or comments to NHLWraparound@gmail.com


RESOURCE LINKS 

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X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

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NHL Wraparound Tik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound


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BIO:

Dave Jackson is a former NHL referee who now works as a lead rules analyst for ESPN. He has officiated 1,546 regular season games and 83 playoff matches, and has also officiated two All-Star Games (2002, 2018), and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Jackson is the sixth NHL referee to work 1,500 games, and the most tenured active referee.

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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.