Episode 37

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Published on:

18th Nov 2024

Episode 37 - Boston "Un-Commons" - With Hall of Fame Writer Kevin Paul Dupont

Boston Globe and Hockey Hall of Fame writer/columnist Kevin Paul Dupont joins Neil and Vic to discuss the early season struggles of the Boston Bruins. Plenty of news and intrigue from around the NHL this past weekend and The Human Side of the Story takes a closer look at Val Nichushkin's return to the Colorado Avalanche following his six-month suspension while in the NHL's Player Assistance Program.

IN THIS EPISODE

  • [01:10] - Three Things You Need To Pay Attention To looks at two players whose contributions have helped Washington and Carolina to successful starts. Colorado goaltending and the Maple Leafs thriving without captain Auston Matthews are other topics in the segment.
  • [10:09] - Kevin Paul Dupont joins the show and addresses the disappointments among the newcomers in the Bruins lineup. In addition, Dupont has concerns about the juice this version of Bruins is bringing to the rink each night, particularly in light of the players the club has lost in recent seasons.
  • [18:55] - The question is raised whether head coach Jim Montgomery needs to adjust his systems in order to accommodate the 2024-25 personnel.
  • [23:15] - Neil brings the goaltending situation to the fore questioning Bruins management about the handling of trading Linus Ullmark to Ottawa while anointing Jeremy Swayman without a contract.
  • [29:30] - The shortcomings of the up-and-comers potentially buying the Bruins some time in order to get playing back to what's been their standard.
  • [36:57] - Neil gives the answer to his trivia question which was posed on Friday's Short Shift.
  • [39:02] - Some items of intrigue starting with the Florida Panthers whitewash of Winnipeg Saturday and continue with a couple of officiating decisions questioned by the N.Y. Islanders and Ottawa Senators.
  • [44:18] - An array of league notes from returns to milestones to injuries.
  • [48:01] - The Human Side of the Story takes a look at the return from suspension by Val Nichushkin. Neil and Vic provide some background and move forward into what the dynamic forward needs to do in order to regain the trust of his team.

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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/

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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.