Episode 3

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Published on:

6th Feb 2024

EPISODE 3: Hats Off to the Oilers with Craig MacTavish | NHL Coaching, Playoff Adversity & Leadership Lessons

In this insightful episode of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren welcome legendary four-time Stanley Cup champion Craig MacTavish, former head coach and general manager of the Edmonton Oilers, for an in-depth look at the Oilers’ resurgence and the adversity that shapes playoff hockey.

The conversation explores the evolving challenges NHL head coaches face, from midseason firings to the constant pressure of leading teams to victory. MacTavish shares valuable perspectives on player development, team dynamics, and how leadership at every level influences championship runs.

The hosts also celebrate Gary Bettman’s 31-year legacy as NHL Commissioner, reflecting on his impact on the league’s expansion and modernization. They take a nostalgic trip through NHL All-Star Game history, discussing memorable moments and the evolution of the event into today’s skills showcase.

Closing with “The Human Side of the Story,” Neil and Vic share heartfelt memories of how they first fell in love with hockey and the magic of attending their first NHL games.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [01:51] “One-Timers” – Quick NHL news and headlines
  • [02:00] Celebrating Gary Bettman’s 31 years as NHL Commissioner
  • [04:29] NHL standings projections and playoff predictions
  • [05:55] The unique pressures and challenges of NHL coaching
  • [14:03] Exclusive interview with Craig MacTavish
  • [24:21] How energy, leadership, and key players fuel the Oilers’ playoff push
  • [26:27] The importance of Stuart Skinner’s goaltending to Edmonton’s success
  • [27:06] Neil reflects on the Oilers’ talent development past vs. present under Ken Holland
  • [38:33] The role of leadership in winning championships
  • [42:00] Looking back at first NHL All-Star Game experiences
  • [44:55] “The Human Side of the Story” – falling in love with hockey and first NHL memories
  • [49:30] Closing remarks and what’s next on NHL Wraparound

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ Gary Bettman’s 31-year tenure expanded the NHL from 24 to 32 teams and navigated labor disputes, global growth, and modernization.

✅ The Edmonton Oilers’ near-record winning streak shows improved depth, defensive structure, and leadership from stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

✅ Craig MacTavish emphasizes how facing adversity shapes playoff success and builds championship resilience.

✅ Behind-the-scenes insights on player acquisitions, trade strategies, and maintaining competitive balance in the salary cap era.

✅ A nostalgic look at how the NHL All-Star Game has evolved over the decades.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

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🧊 MeiGray: Get authentic game-worn NHL jerseys at MeiGray.com. Use code WRAP10 for 10% off for NHL Wraparound listeners!

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Craig MacTavish (born August 15, 1958) is a Canadian hockey executive and former NHL player, coach, and GM. A four-time Stanley Cup champion, MacTavish played 17 seasons in the NHL with the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and St. Louis Blues. Known as the last NHL player to skate without a helmet, he later coached the Oilers from 2000–2009 and held coaching and management roles across the league and internationally.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #CraigMacTavish #EdmontonOilers #StanleyCup #ConnorMcDavid #NHLPlayoffs #NHLCoaching #GaryBettman #HockeyPodcast #SportsPodcast #Leadership #HockeyHistory #NHLAllStarGame #OilersNation #NHLFans #HockeyTalk #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.