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Published on:

5th Jun 2024

SPECIAL SERIES: EPISODE 2 – Quick Path to the Eastern Final with Steve Larmer & Kevin Lowe | 1994 Rangers, Playoff Depth & Cup Culture

In Episode 2 of the NHL Wraparound Special Series, Neil Smith, President and GM of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers, and veteran broadcaster Vic Morren welcome two essential members of that historic team: Hall of Fame defenseman Kevin Lowe and elite two-way forward Steve Larmer.

Together, they reflect on the Rangers’ quick march through the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals, laying the foundation for their unforgettable Eastern Conference Final against the New Jersey Devils.

From Mike Richter’s clutch goaltending to Esa Tikkanen’s edge, this episode breaks down the team’s ability to sweep the Islanders and control the pace against Washington. The conversation offers tactical insight into special teams success, locker room leadership, and the sacrifices made by role players in pursuit of hockey’s ultimate prize.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:36] Remembering the 1994 Rangers and their culture

[01:01] Revisiting the Islanders and Capitals series

[01:10] Guest introductions: Steve Larmer and Kevin Lowe

[02:31] Facing the Islanders: Rivalry and playoff grit

[07:00] Game-changing moments and in-game strategy

[07:43] Mike Richter’s brilliance in net

[14:37] Special teams dominance: PP and PK execution

[21:11] Leadership: The Messier Effect and team cohesion

[24:26] Building a championship-caliber roster

[30:49] Sweeping the Islanders: What it meant

[33:31] Beating the Capitals and looking to the Devils

[40:30] Esa Tikkanen’s impact on and off the ice

[46:59] Advancing with momentum

[57:24] Setting the stage for the Devils series

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • The Rangers’ early-round success was rooted in role-player execution and a relentless commitment to team systems.
  • Mike Richter’s key saves in crucial moments kept the team focused and confident.
  • Special teams were a difference-maker, both offensively and defensively, driving momentum in each series.
  • The leadership core—Messier, Larmer, Lowe, Tikkanen—set a tone that allowed the group to remain poised and unified under pressure.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major 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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787

SPONSORS & OFFERS:

🏒 MeiGray: Authentic game-worn NHL jerseys. Use code WRAP10 at MeiGray.com for 10% off.

🎯 Game Seven Group: Elevate your team with custom coaching and leadership programs. Learn more: Game Seven Group

ABOUT STEVE LARMER:

Steve Larmer was one of the NHL’s premier two-way forwards, playing 884 consecutive games with the Chicago Blackhawks and later helping the New York Rangers win the 1994 Stanley Cup. A Calder Trophy winner, Selke Trophy nominee, and All-Star, Larmer was known for his durability, consistency, and leadership. He scored his 1,000th career point and played his 1,000th NHL game during the 1994–95 season, his final year.

ABOUT KEVIN LOWE:

Kevin Lowe, a Hall of Fame defenseman and six-time Stanley Cup champion, brought invaluable playoff experience to the 1994 Rangers. Known for his defensive intelligence and quiet leadership, Lowe played for the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers, helping both franchises capture titles. He later served in executive roles with the Oilers and is recognized as one of the game’s true warriors and mentors.

#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #StanleyCup #NewYorkRangers #KevinLowe #SteveLarmer #MikeRichter #EsaTikkanen #1994Rangers #NeilSmith #VicMorren #WashingtonCapitals #NewYorkIslanders #EasternConferenceFinal #PlayoffLeadership #GameSevenGroup #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.