Episode 19

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Published on:

31st May 2024

EPISODE 19: Playoff “Bowness” Edition with Rick Bowness | Coaching Legacy, Culture Shift & the Evolution of Hockey

In Episode 19 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren are joined by Rick Bowness, one of the NHL’s most respected coaches, who recently stepped away from the bench after a legendary career spanning nearly 40 years.

Bowness reflects on his journey—from his playing days to his coaching evolution—and opens up about his time with the Winnipeg Jets, how he approached culture-building, and what led him to retire. The conversation also explores the changing dynamics between coaches and players, the increasing impact of video replay, and how rule changes have reshaped the game.

The episode also touches on the Dallas Stars' postseason performance, the announcement of Don Waddell’s new role in Columbus, and the looming front-office decisions awaiting the next general manager in Carolina.

To wrap things up, the hosts share an emotional tribute to Rick Bowness and his connection to one of the most iconic Stanley Cup moments: Game 6 of the 1987 Flyers vs. Oilers series at the Spectrum—where the building, and the game, shook.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:41] Conference Final observations and key takeaways

[04:19] Dallas Stars breakdown and goaltending insights

[06:00] Rick Bowness joins the show

[06:26] On retirement, reflection, and future roles in hockey

[08:26] Assessing the future of the Winnipeg Jets

[23:31] The evolution of NHL coaching

[25:06] Communication, trust, and the modern coach-player relationship

[25:52] Video replay: impact and controversy

[28:33] How rule changes have shifted coaching philosophy

[30:25] Tribute to Rick Bowness and his lasting legacy

[34:53] Don Waddell’s fresh challenge with the Columbus Blue Jackets

[41:48] The Human Side of the Story: Rick Bowness & the 1987 Flyers-Oilers classic

[45:44] Favorite Stanley Cup memories and iconic moments

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Rick Bowness’s retirement came after careful consideration of his health, long-term goals, and passion to remain involved in hockey in new ways.
  • He shares how changing the culture in Winnipeg required commitment, accountability, and buy-in from the players.
  • The coach-player relationship has evolved into a more collaborative, communication-driven model—especially for younger generations.
  • Bowness speaks candidly about the pros and cons of video replay, goaltender interference reviews, and how it affects a coach’s job.
  • Emotional reflections bring context to Bowness’s career, especially the unforgettable energy of the 1987 Stanley Cup Final in Philadelphia.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Catch this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

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:

🏒 MeiGray: Own authentic game-worn jerseys. Use code WRAP10 for 10% off at MeiGray.com

🎯 Game Seven Group: Elevate your leadership and team performance. Learn more at gamesevengroup.com/nhlwraparound

ABOUT RICK BOWNESS:

Rick Bowness is a former NHL head coach and player with one of the longest coaching careers in league history. Drafted by the Atlanta Flames in 1975, Bowness later played for the Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and the original Winnipeg Jets. As a coach, he led teams including the Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars, and Winnipeg Jets, becoming known for his leadership, calm demeanor, and dedication to player development. His legacy spans decades of influence across the league.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #RickBowness #WinnipegJets #StanleyCup #CoachingEvolution #NHLPlayoffs #NeilSmith #VicMorren #DonWaddell #ColumbusBlueJackets #CarolinaHurricanes #GameSevenMindset #MeiGray #NHLWraparound #1987FlyersOilers #HockeyLeadership #NHLHistory

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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.