Episode 7

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Published on:

5th Mar 2024

EPISODE 7: Power Outage in Tampa? with Brian Engblom | Physical Play, Player Safety & The Lightning’s Season

In Episode 7 of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren welcome Brian Engblom—former NHL defenseman and current Tampa Bay Lightning broadcaster—for a candid conversation about the balance between physicality, player safety, and the evolution of the game.

The episode opens with a look at the impulsive nature of general managers near the trade deadline, followed by reactions to the Nashville Predators’ turnaround and the impact of Dylan Larkin’s injury on the Detroit Red Wings.

Brian Engblom joins to break down the Tampa Bay Lightning’s performance, including discussions on Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos’ contract situation, and what’s ahead for the team heading into the playoff stretch. He also shares his thoughts on national vs. team-specific coverage and how it affects player narratives.

The conversation expands into a broader discussion of fighting, enforcers, and safety in today’s NHL, including the growing attention to head injuries, high-sticking penalties, and the league’s evolution in protecting players while preserving the game’s physical roots.

The episode closes with The Human Side of the Story, featuring personal reflections, behind-the-scenes moments, and a teaser about next week’s guest, Mike Santos.


IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:36] Trade deadline pressure on general managers

[01:51] Nashville’s rebound and team dynamics

[02:45] The injury to Dylan Larkin and its effect on Detroit

[12:12] Brian Engblom joins the show

[12:42] Team vs. national media coverage in the NHL

[15:03] Tampa Bay Lightning season breakdown

[19:45] Spotlight on Nikita Kucherov

[24:00] Steven Stamkos’ future with Tampa

[26:36] Potential trades and Lightning’s playoff push

[35:51] Brian Engblom’s playing career and journey to broadcasting

[36:00] The role of Matt Rempe and the enforcer tradition

[37:06] Fighting’s place in today’s NHL

[38:27] Why enforcers still matter in protecting teammates

[42:30] Player safety: rule changes, gear, and enforcement

[47:45] The Human Side of the Story: personal moments and reflections

[53:20] Teaser: upcoming episode with Mike Santos

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Brian Engblom brings firsthand insight into how the Lightning are managing pressure, schedule fatigue, and player contracts.
  • The discussion on fighting and enforcers raises deeper questions about safety, identity, and the spirit of the game.
  • Personal stories highlight the human connections in hockey and how former players stay engaged through broadcasting and mentorship.
  • The NHL’s rules around head contact and dangerous plays continue to evolve, but the debate around how much physicality should be preserved remains active.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Find this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major 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 BRIAN ENGBLOM:

Brian Paul Engblom, born January 27, 1955, is a former NHL defenseman and current analyst for the Tampa Bay Lightning. A three-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Montreal Canadiens, Engblom transitioned into broadcasting after his playing career, becoming a respected voice on both national and local NHL coverage.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #BrianEngblom #TampaBayLightning #StanleyCup #NHLTrades #FightingInHockey #PlayerSafety #Enforcers #NHLHistory #PhysicalPlay #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHLWraparound #StevenStamkos #NikitaKucherov #DetroitRedWings #DylanLarkin #MattRempe #MikeSantos







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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.