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Published on:

5th Jun 2024

Special Series EP 2 Quick Path to the Eastern Final with Steve Larmer & Kevin Lowe

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 Hall of Fame defenseman Kevin Lowe and two-way forward Steve Larmer, they recap the road to the Eastern Conference Final. 

The discussion highlights key moments from the Rangers' series against the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals, emphasizing the players' experiences, the importance of special teams, and critical saves by goaltender Mike Richter. 

The team reflects on the contributions of Esa Tikkanen and the strategic nuances employed by GM Neil Smith. Anticipation builds for the upcoming showdown against the New Jersey Devils—a series for the ages.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [00:36] Commemorating the 1994 New York Rangers
  • [01:01] New York Islanders and Washington Capitals
  • [01:10] Guest Introductions: Kevin Lowe and Steve Lahmer
  • [02:31] Facing the New York Islanders: Rivalry and Challenges
  • [07:00] Game Highlights and Key Moments
  • [07:43] Mike Richter's Impact and Goalie Dynamics
  • [14:37] Special Teams and Series Strategy
  • [21:11] Leadership and Team Dynamics
  • [24:26] Reflections on Building a Championship Team
  • [30:49] The Importance of Sweeping the Islanders
  • [33:31] Rangers vs. Capitals: A Historical Rivalry
  • [40:30] The Impact of Esa Tikkanen
  • [46:59] Overcoming the Capitals and Moving Forward
  • [57:24] Setting the Stage for the Devils Series

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • The Rangers showcased their depth and resilience throughout the playoffs, with key contributions from both star players and role players. The team’s ability to adapt and support each other was crucial in their victories over the Islanders and Capitals.
  • Goalie Mike Richter's outstanding performance was a significant factor in the Rangers' success. His ability to make crucial saves under pressure helped the team maintain momentum and confidence throughout the series.
  • The Rangers' power play and penalty kill units were exceptionally effective. The team’s ability to capitalize on power play opportunities and shut down opponents’ power plays played a vital role in their series wins.
  • The presence of experienced players like Mark Messier, Kevin Lowe, and Steve Larmer provided invaluable leadership. Their experience in high-pressure playoff situations helped guide the team through challenging moments and maintain composure.


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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BIO:

Kevin Hugh Lowe played in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers and was known as one of the NHL's best power forwards of that era. He won the 1983 Calder Memorial Trophy as well as being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team that year. From 1982 to 1993, Larmer played in 884 consecutive games for the Blackhawks, an NHL record for most consecutive games played with the same team, and the third longest consecutive-games streak in league history at that time. He had a chance at breaking Doug Jarvis' record for consecutive games played but a contract dispute at the beginning of the 1993–94 officially ended his streak. The impasse was resolved by Larmer being traded to the New York Rangers, who would go on to win the Stanley Cup that same year. Larmer was selected to play in Pittsburgh in the 1990 All-Star Game, and in Chicago's 1991 All-Star Game as well. In the 1990–91 season he finished 5th in the voting for NHL league MVP. Larmer was great at both ends of the ice as he received Frank J. Selke Trophy votes on five occasions (1989-17th, 1991-3rd, 1992-8th, 1993-10th, 1994-13th) as best defensive forward in the league. He received votes for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on five occasions. He won a Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994, where he served as alternate captain, and scored his 1,000th point and played in his 1,000th game in 1994–95, his final season.


Steve Larmer played in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers and was known as one of the NHL's best power forwards of that era. He won the 1983 Calder Memorial Trophy as well as being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team that year. From 1982 to 1993, Larmer played in 884 consecutive games for the Blackhawks, an NHL record for most consecutive games played with the same team, and the third longest consecutive-games streak in league history at that time. He had a chance at breaking Doug Jarvis' record for consecutive games played but a contract dispute at the beginning of the 1993–94 officially ended his streak. The impasse was resolved by Larmer being traded to the New York Rangers, who would go on to win the Stanley Cup that same year. Larmer was selected to play in Pittsburgh in the 1990 All-Star Game, and in Chicago's 1991 All-Star Game as well. In the 1990–91 season he finished 5th in the voting for NHL league MVP. Larmer was great at both ends of the ice as he received Frank J. Selke Trophy votes on five occasions (1989-17th, 1991-3rd, 1992-8th, 1993-10th, 1994-13th) as best defensive forward in the league. He received votes for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on five occasions. He won a Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994, where he served as alternate captain, and scored his 1,000th point and played in his 1,000th game in 1994–95, his final season.


#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #Sports #Broadcasting #StanleyCup #Coaching #Media #Management #ESPN #TNT #Playoffs #Championships #NeilSmith #VicMorren #SteveLarmer #KevinLowe #NewYorkRangers #NewYorkIslanders  #WashingtonCapitals #EsaTikkanen #MikeRichter #NewJerseyDevils

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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.