Episode 22

full
Published on:

25th Jun 2024

EP 22 Playoff Run with Craig MacTavish

Special guest Craig MacTavish is back to join hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren to discuss the Florida Panthers' victory in the 2024 Stanley Cup, highlighting the decisive Game 7th against the Edmonton Oilers. They analyze the Panthers' effective strategies and the Oilers' struggles, noting the Panthers' strong forechecking and puck control. 

The human side of the story features Paul Maurice's coaching career, detailing his journey from a junior player to a Stanley Cup-winning coach. Neil and Vic discuss Maurice's resilience and tactical acumen, along with his impactful relationships with mentors like Peter Karmanos and Jim Rutherford, who are celebrated as key factors in his success.

IN THIS EPISODE: 


  • [00:34] 2024 Stanley Cup Recap
  • [01:16] Analyzing the Stanley Cup Final
  • [03:54] Craig McTavish's Insights
  • [11:32] Post-Game Analysis and Reflections
  • [30:42] Offseason Transactions and Trades
  • [39:32] Postseason Awards Predictions
  • [44:39] Human Side of the Story - Paul Maurice's Journey to the Stanley Cup
  • [48:29] Conclusion and Upcoming Events

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • The Florida Panthers clinched the 2024 Stanley Cup by winning a decisive seventh game against the Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers managed to regroup and deliver a strong performance despite surrendering a 3-0 series lead.
  • The Oilers appeared tentative  in Game 7, allowing the Panthers to control the game. Key players like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid seemed exhausted, which impacted their performance in the crucial moments of the game.
  •  MacTavish highlighted the Panthers' effective forechecking and puck control as critical factors in their victory. He emphasized the importance of controlling the puck in the offensive zone and breaking up their opponent's plays in the defensive zone.
  • Paul Maurice, coach of the Florida Panthers, was praised for his ability to lead the team to their first Stanley Cup in his 26th year as an NHL head coach.. His experience and tactical decisions were pivotal in the Panthers' successful playoff run.

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

NHL Wraparound Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787


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- www.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:

Craig MacTavish is a Canadian professional ice hockey executive and former player, formerly an assistant coaching position with the St. Louis Blues. He played center for 17 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and St. Louis Blues, winning the Stanley Cup four times (1987, 1988, 1990, 1994). He was the last NHL player not to wear a helmet during games.


#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #Sports #Broadcasting #StanleyCup #Coaching #Media #Management #ESPN #TNT #Playoffs #Championships #NeilSmith #VicMorren #StanleyCup2024 #FloridaPanthers #EdmontonOilers #CraigMacTavish #HockeyTalk #NHLPodcast #HockeyInsights #GameSeven #NHLPlayoffs

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.