Episode 5

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Published on:

20th Feb 2024

EPISODE 5: Panthers on the Prowl | Florida’s Hot Streak, Vancouver’s Rise, and GM Trade Strategies

In Episode 5 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the latest stories shaping the NHL. Vic opens with praise for Auston Matthews’ offensive brilliance, drawing parallels between his jersey number and Jaromir Jagr. Neil analyzes the highs and lows of Stadium Series games, discussing fan experiences and the business side of outdoor hockey events.

The conversation shifts to the Vancouver Canucks’ emergence as a Western Conference powerhouse, unpacking their key acquisitions, recent performances, and playoff readiness. The hosts also spotlight the Florida Panthers’ dominant 9-1-0 run, exploring how the team’s swagger and culture shift are influencing the league.

In the “Ask the GM” segment, Neil and Vic explore the trade deadline pressures facing general managers balancing win-now moves with long-term sustainability. They discuss possible trade strategies for contenders like Colorado, Vegas, and the cautious approach of the Philadelphia Flyers.

The episode concludes with The Human Side of the Story, commemorating the 44th anniversary of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team’s gold medal and sharing a touching reflection on former Rangers forward Walt Tkaczuk and his life beyond hockey.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:45] Outdoor games at MetLife Center and their impact on fans and teams

[03:33] Analyzing Auston Matthews’ goal-scoring brilliance

[06:03] Deep dive into the Canucks vs. Minnesota game, key plays, and strategy

[12:18] Spotlight on the Florida Panthers’ recent surge and standout performances

[22:33] The importance of playoff experience, contrasting Florida’s comeback with Vancouver’s inexperience

[23:30] Exploring trade dynamics and the balance between immediate wins and future team building

[24:16] Trade scenarios for contenders and the Philadelphia Flyers’ cautious approach

[29:42] Tribute to Walt Tkaczuk, his contributions to the Rangers, and reflections on his legacy

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

The Florida Panthers’ playoff experience gives them an edge, while Vancouver’s youth and inexperience could be a challenge in the postseason.

General managers face intense pressure balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability, illustrated by past and current trade deadline moves.

A heartfelt tribute to former New York Rangers player Walt Tkaczuk, honoring his contributions and unique journey from the Canadian mines to NHL greatness.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

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

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/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

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.