Episode 48 - Power Grab with ESPN's Greg Wyshynski

Episode 48 - Power Grab with ESPN's Greg Wyshynski

Author: Neil Smith & Vic Morren February 19, 2025 Duration: 1:02:54

Just another game or is world hockey supremacy on the line as the United States and Canada square off in the Four Nations Faceoff Championship game? Greg Wyshynski from ESPN helps break down the significance but also delves into the "secret sauce" the NHL may have come upon with this upgrade of a mid-season event.

Once the tournament completes and the regular season ramps back up over the weekend, the importance of goals becomes heightened with March approaching. Matthew Blittner, co-author of "Game Winners: The Greatest Game-Winning Goals in Hockey History" joins us to discuss the recently-released book.

With so much focus on the present and future of international hockey, The Human Side of the Story takes a nostalgic look back at a much simpler time - where the unassuming voice of a PA announcer brought back rich memories for both Neil and Vic in their respective youths.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:02] - The Four Nations Faceoff dominates "Three Things You to Pay Attention To" from Canada securing their date with the USA to injuries creeping their way into the Americans lineup to encouraging TV ratings.

[06:00] - Greg Wyshynski from ESPN joins Neil and Vic and discusses the success the Four Nations Faceoff is enjoying in place of an All-Star event and what it may mean for best-on-best play going forward.

[12:30] - With the NHL having found a compelling mid-season event, the NBA is being looked out to see how they might enhance their mid-season showcase event.

[15:44] - The significance of this game for both Canada and the United States. With a USA win, will the torch have been passed after a period of time going back to the 19th century?

[22:19] - With injuries becoming a story with Team USA heading into the Final, the effect on NHL teams now becomes a reality for general managers.

[27:40] - Matt Blittner, Co-Author of "Game Winners: The Greatest Game-Winning Goals in Hockey History" joins the show. In collaboration with Russ Cohen, Matt discusses the concept of the book, criteria used to determine what made the cut and how the final rankings came to be.

[35:39] - Some healthy debate on goals noted in the book...and those that aren't.

[44:56] - Vic and Neil exchange views on how they feel about the Four Nations Faceoff now that the round-robin games have been completed.

[50:12] - The Human Side of the Story takes a warm look back to yesteryear following the passing of long time Maple Leafs public address announcer Paul Morris

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/

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There’s no shortage of hockey talk out there, but what sets the NHL Wraparound Podcast apart is the specific, hard-earned perspective of its hosts. Neil Smith, the architect of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers, and longtime ESPN/NHL voice Vic Morren don’t just react to headlines-they unpack them with a blend of front-office savvy and media insight that’s rare to find. Their conversations move seamlessly from today’s breaking news to historical context, giving listeners a full understanding of why things happen the way they do in the league. This isn’t about hot takes; it’s a no-nonsense examination of the sport’s biggest issues, grounded in decades of direct experience. You’ll hear how decisions in the boardroom affect plays on the ice, how narratives are built in the press box, and what it all means for the future of hockey. The dynamic between Smith and Morren creates a unique partnership that feels like a compelling, inside conversation you’re privy to. Each episode of this podcast delves into the intersections of sports, culture, and personal legacy, offering depth that appeals to both the casual fan and the dedicated historian of the game. It’s that thoughtful, experienced analysis that keeps an audience returning, episode after episode.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 440

NHL Wraparound Podcast
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