Episode 56

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Published on:

16th Apr 2025

Episode 56 - His Calls Will Last a Lifetime! - With Hall of Fame Broadcaster Sam Rosen

For forty seasons, Sam Rosen has been synonymous with New York Rangers hockey. With the Blueshirts missing the playoffs in 2025, Rosen's final game will be Thursday against Tampa Bay.

Neil and Vic are privileged to share their discussion with Sam in the regular season finale of NHL Wraparound.

We also update the playoff picture with seven of the eight opening round matchups decided, chat about TV networks having to work with the hands they are dealt, some rules NHL players might want to see adopted into the NHL and some player notes.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:09] - The final playoff spot is still up for grabs and that kicks off "Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To." Also noted are the clinching of the of the Western wild card spots by Minnesota and St. Louis and a bow on the Atlantic crown by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

[14:12] - Sam Rosen joins Neil and Vic. Following some small talk, Sam shares how he's survived 40 years at MSG.

[23:00] - The wine collection Sam has accumulated during his farewell tour around the NHL.

[25:54] - Sam shares the overwhelming reactions from fans around the NHL.

[28:16] - Neil reminds Sam of the one game they worked together and the interesting sidebar which was part of their telecast.

[31:20] - Sam talks about his successor in the Rangers TV booth - Kenny Albert.

[34:44] - 40 years later, the some advice for aspiring play-by-play folks.

[40:57] - Fond memories of 1994.

[46:11] - Thoughts on more recent Ranger teams.

[48:49] - Preparing for the finale and going forward.

[56:10] - The Us rightsholders - ESPN and TNT - face a playoff with none of the four US-based original six teams in the post with either four or five Canadian clubs involved in this year's tournament.

[1:00:23] - Looking for rule changes? Over 500 players were recently polled on various PWHL rules and weighed in on what they'd like to see adapted into the NHL.

[1:07:37] - Player Notes

[1:13:03] - The Human Side of the Story wraps up our show with more on retiring hall-of-fame broadcaster Sam Rosen.

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.