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Published on:

31st May 2024

Special Series: Episode 1 The Road Begins with Glenn Healy & John Davidson

Neil Smith, President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers, along with ESPN NHL veteran Vic Morren, are joined by goaltender Glenn Healy and MSG color analyst John Davidson as they reflect on the thrilling journey to their historic victory.

They reminisce about the dramatic trade deadline decisions, the influence of iconic players such as Mark Messier and Mike Richter, and the acceptance of roles by various team members. 

Personal anecdotes, key moments in pivotal games, and the strong sense of camaraderie that defined the team are highlighted. 

This episode takes listeners on an emotional trip down memory lane, celebrating the collective effort that led to the Rangers' unforgettable 1993-94 season and the joy of the Broadway parade.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [00:34] Reliving the 1994 Stanley Cup: A Journey Begins
  • [02:01] The Legendary 1994 Rangers: Stories from the Team
  • [20:27] Building a Championship Team: The Inside Story
  • [44:18] Early Struggles and Turning Points
  • [50:08] The Unforgettable Moments and Team Bonding
  • [51:25] A Rollercoaster of Games and Team Dynamics
  • [58:52] The Trade Deadline: Strategic Moves and Team Transformation
  • [01:09:09] The Playoff Journey Begins: Challenges and Triumphs
  • [01:23:08] Reflections on Victory and the Power of Team Spirit
  • [01:33:04] Closing Thoughts and Looking Ahead to the Playoffs

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • The leadership of Mark Messier and the cohesive bond among the players were instrumental in navigating through the challenges of the season.
  • Neil Smith's strategic management and timely trades were crucial in fortifying the team's roster, significantly impacting their path to the cup.
  • The team's mental toughness and ability to stay focused under pressure played a pivotal role, particularly during crucial games and the playoffs.
  • The 1994 Stanley Cup victory not only ended a 54-year championship drought for the Rangers but also left a lasting legacy on the players and fans alike.

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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Guest BIO:

Glenn Healy is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Healy's career spanned from 1985 to 2001. One of his most notable achievements was being part of the 1994 New York Rangers team that won the Stanley Cup, ending a 54-year championship drought for the Rangers.

After retiring from professional play, Healy transitioned into broadcasting. He has worked as a hockey analyst for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on their Hockey Night in Canada telecasts and for other networks. Healy is known for his insightful commentary and deep knowledge of the game. Additionally, he served as the Director of Player Affairs for the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA), where he was involved in various aspects of player representation and welfare.

Healy has also been active in charitable endeavors, particularly those related to hockey communities and youth programs, leveraging his profile to support and advocate for various causes within the sport.


John Davidson, often referred to by his initials "JD," is a highly respected figure in the world of ice hockey, both for his accomplishments as a player and for his extensive career in management and broadcasting. As a goaltender, Davidson played in the NHL from 1973 to 1983, primarily for the St. Louis Blues and the New York Rangers. His playing career, though marred by injuries, was distinguished by notable performances, including a memorable run to the 1979 Stanley Cup Finals with the Rangers.

After retiring as a player, Davidson transitioned into broadcasting, where he became one of the most beloved and knowledgeable hockey commentators. He worked for major networks like CBC, MSG Network, and NBC, covering several Olympic Games and Stanley Cup Playoffs, earning acclaim for his insightful analysis and deep understanding of the game.

Davidson later moved into hockey management, serving as the President of Hockey Operations for the St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets, and returning to the New York Rangers in the same capacity. Under his leadership, these franchises have seen significant rebuilding and success, reflecting his strategic acumen and deep commitment to team development.

His contributions to hockey have been recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a broadcaster. Davidson's career reflects a lifelong passion for hockey, marked by significant achievements in every facet of the sport he has been involved in.

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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.