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Published on:

10th Jun 2024

Special Series Ep 3 A Series for the Ages with Mike Richter & Stephane Matteau

Episode 3 in the NY Rangers 30th Anniversary Special series . We hear insights from goaltender Mike Richter and left wing Stéphane Matteau, join hosts Neil and Vic to analyze the 1994 Eastern Conference Final against the New Jersey Devils. They highlight pivotal moments such as Mark Messier's Game Six guarantee and Matteau's double-overtime goal in Game Seven. 

This episode revisits the unforgettable moments that led to one of the greatest playoff series in NHL history. Relive the highs, the lows, and the sheer intensity of a series that has stood the test of time.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

  • [01:08] Recap of the 1994 Championship Season
  • [02:25] Special Guests: Mike Richter and Stéphane Matteau
  • [03:21] The Historic Eastern Conference Final
  • [04:23] Rivalry and Key Players
  • [05:13] Regular Season Dominance
  • [06:26] Trade Deadline Impact
  • [07:23] Playoff Confidence and Challenges
  • [09:10] Game One: A Tough Start
  • [13:59] Mark Messier's Leadership in Game Two
  • [19:59] Game Three: A Turning Point
  • [31:57] Game Four and Five: Struggles and Controversies
  • [40:53] The Rollercoaster of Emotions
  • [41:40] Messier's Bold Guarantee
  • [43:17] Turning the Tide: Key Moments
  • [44:30] The Epic Third Period
  • [46:07] The Tension of Overtime
  • [48:33] The Game-Winning Goal
  • [50:50] Reflections and Celebrations
  • [01:14:22] The Legacy of the Series
  • [01:20:12] Final Thoughts and Teasers

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • The Rangers' resilience was highlighted by Mark Messier's leadership, particularly his guarantee before game 6, which boosted the team's morale.
  • The importance of team dynamics and the contributions of lesser-known players like Stéphane Matteau, who scored crucial goals.
  • The 1994 Eastern Conference Final is considered one of the greatest playoff series in NHL history, not just for the games but for the lasting impact on the franchise and fans.
  • Mike Richter's goaltending was pivotal, making key saves that kept the Rangers in critical games and allowed them to capitalize on scoring opportunities.


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:

Stéphane Matteau is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played over 800 regular-season games in the National Hockey League. He was drafted in the second round, 25th overall, by the Calgary Flames in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft

Michael Thomas Richter is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played his entire National Hockey League career, from 1989 to 2002, with the New York Rangers organization, and led the team to the Stanley Cup in 1994. He also represented the United States in international play on several occasions.


 #NHL #Hockey #Podcast #Sports #StanleyCup #Coaching #ESPN #TNT #Playoffs #Championships #NeilSmith #VicMorren #Stéphane Matteau, #Mike Richter #NYRangers30thAnniversary #MarkMessier #1994StanleyCup #EasternConferenceFinal #NHLHistory #RangersVsDevils #PlayoffMemories #HockeyLegends #HockeyPodcast #NYRangersFans #RangersLegacy #GoaltendingGreatness #HockeyHeroes


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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.