full

full
Published on:

21st May 2024

EP 18 Conference Finals Preview with Eddie Olczyk

In this Special Edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil and Vic are joined by NHL on TNT analyst Ed Olczyk for an in-depth discussion on the NHL Conference Finals. They kick off with an analysis of the Vancouver Canucks' performance and their lessons in closing the series. 

The conversation shifts to the conference finals, with Olczyk sharing his insights into the matchups between the Rangers vs. Panthers and Stars vs. Oilers, highlighting key players, team strategies, and his playoff predictions. 

The episode also features a segment on each host's and Olczyk's Stanley Cup picks, reflections on Eddie's career and battle with cancer, and tips for aspiring broadcasters.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [00:39] Breaking Down the Conference Finals with Ed Olczyk
  • [01:17] Vancouver Canucks' Playoff Journey
  • [05:25] Special Guest Eddie Olczyk: A Hockey Life
  • [08:28] Eddie Olczyk on the 1994 Rangers and the Power of Team Spirit
  • [17:01]Rangers vs. Panthers: Previewing a Heavyweight Battle
  • [23:22] Evaluating Star Performances and Team Dynamics
  • [32:56] Hockey Insights: The Importance of Spatial Awareness
  • [33:22] Analyzing Team Dynamics: Florida vs. Rangers
  • [36:01] Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers Playoff History
  • [37:02] Strategic Play and Team Strengths: Dallas's Journey
  • [42:46] Edmonton's Goalkeeping Dilemma: A Critical Analysis
  • [50:18] Predictions and Personal Reflections: Eddie Olczyk's Journey
  • [53:46] Conference Finals Predictions: Expert Picks
  • [57:10] Eddie Olczyk: A Story of Resilience and Contribution

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • Emphasis on how injuries to key players can dramatically affect a team's performance and morale. The Canucks' loss of Besser and Demko was a turning point in their series against Edmonton, illustrating the psychological and strategic impacts of such setbacks on a team's playoff journey
  • Eddie Olczyk provided insights into Dallas's depth and defensive resilience, noting their effective use of a limited defensive roster throughout the playoffs. The importance of goaltending and defensive strategies for both teams was a key discussion point​
  • Edmonton's inconsistent goaltending was identified as a potential weakness. Olczyk discussed the pressure on Edmonton's goalies, particularly Stuart Skinner, and the possibility of turning to Calvin Pickard if needed. This issue was framed as a critical factor that could influence the outcome of their series against Dallas

RESOURCE LINKS: 

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/

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

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


SPONSORSHIP:

MeiGray is your source for Game-Worn jerseys. Head to MeiGray.com to get your collection started today. Get real, get it from MeiGray.

https://www.MeiGray.com/

https://MeiGrayauctions.com/

NHL Wraparound guests can take 10 percent off any hockey jersey when they order at meigray.com and use the COUPON CODE WRAP10


Game 7 Group- gamesevengroup.com/nhlwraparound 

At Game Seven Group, we specialize in transforming individuals into cohesive teams through our team-building events, coaching, and speaking. We believe every team has the potential to achieve extraordinary results.


BIO:

Edward Walter Olczyk Jr. is an American former center in the National Hockey League for 16 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He won the Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for NHL Wraparound Podcast

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.