Episode 98 - 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round Preview

Episode 98 - 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Round Preview

Author: Neil Smith & Vic Morren May 4, 2026 Duration: 1:05:48
NHL Wraparound Podcast
SportsCultureHockeyJournalsPersonalSocietySociety & Culture

And then there were eight.

Though the second round has seen two series already get underway, that's not stopping, Neil, Vic or TSN's Craig Button from breaking the four series down.

In addition to offering their takes on who makes the conference finals, they'll also look back to the opening round where there will be some zingers exchanged on some of those fearless prognostications.

Also, don't miss mid-show, the two former GM's opining about the new leadership team in Toronto.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:31] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To:

[07:19] - Carolina vs. Philadelphia

[14:20] - Buffalo vs. Montreal

[22:01] - There's a new hockey leadership group in Toronto and it's being met with considerable skepticism.

[31:45] - Colorado vs. Minnesota

[38:52] - Vegas vs. Anaheim

[44:45] - What the first round would have looked like in a 1-8, 2-7, 3-6, 4-5 world.

[52:53] - First round pick review from "The Experts."

[54:16] - The best and worst of other playoff prognostications.

[1:00:41] - Wrap-up segment. Schedule for the next three nights, a couple of predictions for Monday's games and a special birthday wish for a long time fan.

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: 100

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