Episode 5

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Published on:

20th Feb 2024

EP 5 Panthers on the Prowl

"Panthers on the Prowl" episode five of NHL Wraparound, the One-Timers segment kicks off with Vic praising Auston Matthews' brilliance, drawing a comparison between Matthews and Jagr's jersey numbers. Neil follows with an analysis of the pros and cons of the Stadium Series games. 

The main topics highlight Vancouver as the next powerhouse in the West, dissecting their recent performance, champions' headlines, and key acquisitions. The focus then shifts to the Florida Panthers' impressive 9-1-0 streak, discussing the team's swagger and influence on other franchises. The "Ask the GM" segment explores the strategic decisions of teams aiming to win immediately versus those building for the future. 

The episode concludes with a human side of the story, commemorating the 44th anniversary of the U.S. Olympic Team Gold Medal and sharing a poignant story about Walt Tkaczuk and his son in the Canadian mines. 

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [01:45] The hosts discuss outdoor games at the MetLife Center, covering highlights and fan experiences
  • [03:33] A detailed analysis of Austin Matthews' goal-scoring brilliance and its impact on the team
  • [06:03] In-depth coverage of the Canucks' game against Minnesota, including key plays and team strategies
  • [12:18] Comprehensive discussion about the Florida Panthers, focusing on recent matches and standout players
  • [22:33] Neil Smith emphasizes playoff experience's importance, citing Florida's comeback, and highlights Vancouver's lack of it for upcoming playoffs
  • [23:30] Discussion on trade dynamics, GMs' delicate balance between immediate success and future considerations, and risks illustrated by past examples
  • [24:16] Exploration of trade scenarios for contenders like Colorado and Vegas, plus the Philadelphia Flyers' cautious trade approach. 
  • [29:42] Ends with a human side of the story about Walter Kachuk's contributions to the New York Rangers

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • The significance of playoff experience is emphasized, contrasting Florida's comeback with Vancouver's inexperienced roster.
  • The delicate balance for GMs between immediate success and future sustainability is explored, citing historical examples and potential moves by contenders.
  • Tribute to former Rangers player Walter Kachuk, highlighting his unique background, contributions, and impressive rankings in Rangers' history.



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


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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.