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Published on:

19th Apr 2024

SPECIAL EDITION: Playoff Preview with John Buccigross | Series Breakdown, Upset Picks & Stanley Cup Predictions

In this NHL Wraparound special edition, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren welcome John Buccigross—ESPN’s NHL play-by-play commentator and host of The Point—for a high-energy, in-depth Stanley Cup Playoff Preview. From Eastern Conference showdowns to Western Conference sleepers, the episode is packed with expert analysis, predictions, and behind-the-scenes insight into the matchups that will define the road to the Cup.

The team breaks down each first-round series, comparing team structures, coaching tactics, special teams, and goaltending strengths. They dive into expected x-factors, injury concerns, and key narratives that could tip each matchup. From Ovechkin vs. the Rangers to the Battle of Florida, and from Vancouver’s surprising season to Edmonton’s redemption arc, no storyline is left untouched.

The episode wraps with rapid-fire predictions, bold upset picks, and each guest’s Stanley Cup Final prediction, offering fans everything they need to get playoff-ready.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:10] Rangers vs. Capitals – Strengths, strategy, and experience

[12:09] Carolina vs. Islanders – Power play edge vs. PK woes

[19:37] Panthers vs. Lightning – Depth vs. championship pedigree

[27:55] Bruins vs. Maple Leafs – Can Toronto flip the script?

[39:40] Jets vs. Avalanche – Central showdown, goaltending keys

[43:44] Hellebuyck vs. Georgiev – Goalie battle breakdown

[44:30] Colorado’s Cup window and roster depth

[48:22] Vegas – From reigning champs to underdog status

[49:00] Dallas Stars – Balanced, deep, and playoff-built

[56:14] Vancouver vs. Nashville – Dark horse alert

[01:04:12] LA Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers – High skill vs. high grit

[01:12:59] Final thoughts and Stanley Cup picks

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Carolina’s special teams could be the deciding factor in a low-scoring series with the Islanders.
  • Florida vs. Tampa Bay might be the most physical and emotionally charged first-round series, driven by contrasting styles and recent history.
  • Coaching adjustments—from Knoblauch in Edmonton to structure in Dallas—could turn close series into statement wins.
  • Goaltending matchups like Hellebuyck vs. Georgiev and Swayman vs. Samsonov are central to this year’s Cup race.
  • Breakout candidates like Michael McCarron (NSH) and Tomas Hertl (VGK) could emerge as playoff X-factors.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA

X (Twitter): 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

SPONSORS & OFFERS:

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ABOUT JOHN BUCCIGROSS:

John Buccigross is a veteran sports broadcaster and the play-by-play voice for NHL games on ESPN. He currently hosts The Point, ESPN’s flagship hockey studio show, and serves as the voice of the Frozen Four NCAA Hockey Championship. A former anchor of SportsCenter and host of NHL 2Night, Buccigross brings decades of broadcasting experience and a deep passion for hockey to every game and segment he covers.

#NHLWraparoundPodcast #NHL #Hockey #Podcast #StanleyCup #Playoffs #JohnBuccigross #ESPN #ThePoint #NeilSmith #VicMorren #RangersvsCapitals #CarolinavsIslanders #FloridavsTampa #BruinsvsLeafs #JetsvsAvalanche #DallasStars #VegasGoldenKnights #VancouverCanucks #OilersvsKings #Goaltending #HockeyAnalysis #NHLPlayoffPreview

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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.