Episode 64

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Published on:

10th Jun 2025

Episode 64 - Clawed & Crude with Sportsnet's Jack Michaels

Game 3 started ugly and it only got worse for the Edmonton Oilers as the Florida Panthers had their way in moving to within two wins of consecutive Stanley Cups.

Oilers/Sportsnet's play-by-play voice Jack Michael's visit with Neil and Vic to look at where it went wrong and what McDavid and Co. need to do to get the series back on the rails.

Afterwards, we touch on a notable retirement and The Human Side of the Story focuses on a correction made by the NHL...over 45 years after the fact.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:21] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To looks at the key factors in the Oilers unravelling in Game 3 against the Panthers.

[06:44] - Jack Michaels joins Neil and Vic for some lighthanded banter before delving into Game 3.

[09:02] - Jack dives right in assessing the Oilers night was dreary from the opening minute.

[10:50] - Vic and Jack get into further discussion about the number of power plays and, more specifically, how and where the penalties leading up to the advantages took place. Also discussion on the importance of having to play five-on-five as well as forward depth.

[14:01] - Edmonton falling into the trap of being pulled into the muck by the Panthers "sandpaper" guys and getting into a game which works against their strengths.

[16:09] - The Loss of Zach Hyman to the Oilers lineup and whether the team has the depth to withstand his absence. Michaels also adds the significance of Hyman as a "glue" guy in the locker room.

[21:28] - Edmonton goaltending moves back into the spotlight with Stuart Skinner lifted for Calvin Pickard after the fifth Panthers goal.

[27:03] - The effect of the extra day off in the Final for the Oilers.

[30:06] - The cautionary word that one large margin victory doesn't ensure that team goes on to win a series.

[32:39] - Jack shares what to expect from the Oilers in Game 4 to avoid going into a 3-1 hole.

[42:03] - News from around the hockey world with the Calder Trophy being awarded and a retirement announcement.

[46:30] - The Human SIde of Story. After 16,494 days, the NHL adds an assist on a goal of significance.

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.