Episode 20

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Published on:

6th Jun 2024

EPISODE 20: Stanley Cup Preview with Eddie Olczyk | Panthers vs. Oilers, Coaching Matchups & Superstitions

In this Stanley Cup Final preview edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren are joined by Eddie Olczyk, Stanley Cup champion and NHL on TNT analyst, to break down the highly anticipated series between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers.

The trio dives into the tactics, momentum, and storylines shaping the Final, from conference trophy traditions to head coaching experience. The episode also features a lighthearted moment as the show’s mascot AJ makes his Stanley Cup prediction, plus a spotlight on the NHL’s new sign language broadcast initiative, showcasing the league’s commitment to accessibility.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:36] Previewing the Stanley Cup Final

[01:33] To touch or not to touch: Conference trophy superstition

[04:11] Eddie Olczyk joins the show

[06:32] Deep dive into Panthers vs. Oilers matchup

[16:55] Coaching comparisons: Paul Maurice vs. Chris Knobloch

[25:59] Predictions and a visit from mascot AJ

[31:07] The Human Side of the Story: Injuries, resilience, and new NHL initiatives

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The superstition about not touching the conference trophy is challenged. Since 1997, teams that touched the trophy have won the Stanley Cup two-thirds of the time.
  • Coaching experience disparity is a storyline: Paul Maurice brings a wealth of NHL experience, while Chris Knobloch is a first-year head coach. Paul Coffey’s contribution to the Oilers' defense has been vital.
  • Special teams and physicality are expected to be deciding factors—Florida’s grit vs. Edmonton’s power play.
  • The physical toll of the playoffs is immense, with players pushing through injuries. The hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing their toughness and endurance.
  • The NHL’s broadcast in sign language is celebrated as a major step toward inclusivity and fan engagement.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Catch the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major 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 NHL jerseys. Use code WRAP10 for 10% off at MeiGray.com

🎯 Game Seven Group: Team-building, performance coaching, and speaker events. Learn more: gamesevengroup.com/nhlwraparound

ABOUT EDDIE OLCZYK:

Edward Walter Olczyk Jr. is a former NHL center who played 16 seasons with teams including the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins. He won the Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994. Now a lead analyst for TNT, Olczyk is known for his deep hockey knowledge, sharp analysis, and passion for the game.

#NHL #Hockey #StanleyCupFinal #EddieOlczyk #PanthersVsOilers #StanleyCup #Playoffs #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHLPlayoffs #CoachingMatchups #SpecialTeams #HockeyPodcast #GameSevenGroup #MeiGray #MascotAJ #AccessibilityInSports #HockeyResilience #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.