With the Final between the Hurricanes and Golden Knights set to kick off Tuesday, who better to join Neil and Vic than a current NHL head coach who has seen both teams up close.
Jim Montgomery, current coach with the St. Louis Blues, has gotten familiar with Vegas over the past two seasons in the Western Conference. Before that, he saw what the Hurricanes were about while leading Boston.
We'll talk about the Final but also discuss the heaviness of what the Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche are experiencing having himself fall short with his record-setting Bruins in 2022-23.
The conversation wraps with what's ahead for his Blues heading into 2026-27 with a new GM and captain joining Monty on the leadership team.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[01:50] - Blues head coach Jim Montgomery is welcomed to the show and offers his take on the Bruce Cassidy situation, the latter still waiting to be freed up from his contract with Vegas.
[03:43] - Montgomery weighs in on his thoughts about the 2026 playoffs.
[05:33] - While Jim has seen changes in play trends during this year's playoffs, one trend staying intact is the struggle of Presidents' Trophy winners making the Final since 2013 - something Montgomery can relate to with Colorado Avalanche.
[07:06] - Having seen both the Hurricanes and Golden Knights from behind the bench this season, Monty shares what characteristics these teams provide headaches for opposition head coaches.
[09:20] - The goaltending in the Final. A veteran who has finally broken through after years of later-round struggles against a first-timer to the post-season.
[11:15] - Carolina's line of Jackson Blake, Logan Stankoven and Taylor Hall has emerged as the 'Canes top line of the post-season.
[12:35] - Given the coaching skill on both sides, adjustments are always key when things go amiss. Montgomery sees neither Rod Brind'Amour or John Tortorella having any problem going with the flow.
[13:33] - Some Blues talk with a new GM and a potential new captain for 2026-27.
[15:15] - After so much prior success yet missing the playoffs in 2026, might the approach to training camp differ from years past?
[17:05] - Some comments on two players - Colton Parayko and Alexandre Texier. One decided against a trade to a contender while the other couldn't cut it in St. Louis but has managed to do so in Montreal.
[23:58] - World Championship update and great news for the Florida Panthers courtesy of Champion Team Finland.
[25:27] - A champion was also crowned at the Memorial Cup where a legendary franchise authored an historic run.
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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