NHL Wraparound Podcast

For 40 minutes, the Colorado Avalanche had the Vegas Golden Knights at arms length protecting a 1-0 lead.

Then, in a span of 127 seconds midway through the third period, it disappeared and with it, the Presidents' Trophy winners now need to win at least twice in Sin City in order to gain the Final.

Vic and Neil talk it through and also look ahead to the East where favorite Carolina will try to avoid a similar 0-2 against Montreal.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

...

So much for that 16-0 talk for the Carolina Hurricanes. As opposed to taking advantage of a Canadiens team that has endured consecutive seven-game series, it was the Habs with more jump as the 'Canes struggled to find their legs until it was too late in the opener of the Eastern Conference Final.

Vic and Neil break it down and also look ahead to the Game 2 in the West where the Colorado Avalanche face a similar dilemma after dropping the home opener to the Vegas Golden Knights.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil...

The opening game of the Western Conference Final had an immediate twist as Avs star defenseman Cale Makar was ruled out and the Golden Knights took advantage.

Vic and Neil break it down and look ahead to Game 1 of the Eastern Final as the Carolina Hurricanes (remember them?) finally get back in action against the battle-hardened Montreal Canadiens.

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/

#NHLWraparound #NHLWraparound...

They acquired Quinn Hughes and they proceeded to topple the team they replaced in Minnesota for their first playoff series win in eleven years.

However, in the end, the Wild were too beat up in key areas against Colorado to advance beyond the second round.

Still, the Minnesota Wild remain one of the more formidable teams in the NHL. As one of the older teams in the circuit, the Wild sit right in the arc of the championship window. However, that combination heightens the urgency to win now.

Facing an off-season with eight...

Outplayed or not, the Montreal Canadiens took the last seat at the Conference Finals table with an overtime win in Buffalo and keeping the dream alive for the first Canadian team to win a Stanley Cup in 33 years.

Neil and Vic once again welcome in TSN Analyst Craig Button to go over that seventh game and and look ahead to both the Canadiens-Hurricanes series as well as the Western Final pitting Colorado and Vegas.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:23] - Recapping Canadiens-Sabres Game 7. Discussion expands to Alex Tuch as a pending UFA and a similar...

The 2025-26 season represented one where the Philadelphia Flyers took a clear step forward, A combination of experience, youth, some stability in goal and a hot streak towards the end of the regular season to make a surprising return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, stunning the cross-state rival Penguins before bowing out to Carolina.

As the preparation for 2026-27 begins, the new challenge is to continue progress in an Eastern Conference in which returning to the post-season will not be a guarantee. The power play remains a mess, there's the relationship between head coach Rick Tocchet and...

The best laid plans...

The setting could not have set itself up better for the Montreal Canadiens. A 3-2 series lead, a raucous crowd awaiting them at the Bell Centre on a Saturday night and a 3-1 lead after just over ten minutes.

And then it was gone.

The Sabres storming back to score the last seven goals of the game to bring the series back to KeyBank Center for the deciding game Monday.

Vic and Neil break it down and also look into the Golden Knights saga stemming from the...

The Tampa Bay Lightning have been synonymous with success for the past decade. However, since losing the Final in 2022 in their quest for a three-peat, the team has bowed out of the playoffs in the opening round in each of the past four springs.

Though the team will, no doubt, remain competitive in 2026-27, it's also one of the older teams in the NHL so there's work ahead for GM Julien BriseBois to re-tool his club on the fly to keep his Bolts among the NHL's elite.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil...

Just one seat remains at the Conference Finals table as the Vegas Golden Nights finished off the Anaheim Ducks to book a date with the Presidents' Trophy-winning Colorado Avalanche.

In Buffalo, the Montreal Canadiens got off to a wobbly start but then kicked it into gear to take a 3-2 series lead back home with a chance to clinch Saturday night.

Vic and Neil re-cap both games and also discuss the new leadership team in Vancouver with two legends being tapped to lead the Canucks from the depths of the NHL.

X: https...

The elation of the Colorado Avalanche dramatic come-from-behind win to earn a spot in the Western Conference Final can likely be equalled by the sting felt by the Minnesota Wild in failing late in their quest to force a sixth game. Vic and Neil offer their take and how the injury bug truly had an impact.

Also, news on the coaching front as, for the second consecutive day, a vacancy has been created - this time in Edmonton.

Finally, the Calder Trophy was awarded Wednesday. While the winner didn't come as a shock, the presentation...

In their second season in Salt Lake City, the Utah Mammoth managed to do something the franchise achieved only once since 2012: qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which they did as the Arizona Coyotes and that coming in the bubble of 2020.

With a strong foundation and a team mixed with experience and youth, their strong showing in this year's opening round leaves plenty of reason to believe the leadership team of GM Bill Armstrong and head coach Andre Tourigny will be able to keep the team moving on an upward trajectory.

X: https://twitter.com...

In addition to a pair of thrillers Tuesday evening, plenty of news off the ice as well with Craig Berube being dismissed as the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Vic and Neil tackle the Sabres series tying win in Montreal, overtime drama in Vegas and front office news which includes not only the doings in Toronto but GM of the Year nominees as well.

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...

One of the true feel-good stories in the 2025-26 regular season was the Boston Bruins. Much like the Penguins, the B's summer moves in 2025 did little to suggest a return to the playoffs was at hand.

However, also much like the Penguins, the stars produced and others looked at more as middle-to-bottom six types up front delivered a season that enabled Boston to separate themselves from other bubble teams and qualify for the post-season as a second Wild Card.

The new challenge in Beantown is whether some of those with surprising seasons can sustain into 2026...

One win remains for the Colorado Avalanche to join the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL's final four after defeating the Minnesota Wild in a hard fought fourth game in St. Paul.

Vic and Neil break that down, preview the Tuesday games in Montreal and Vegas and also look at the good and the ugly of player interviews - both on display during the Avs win.

The show concludes addressing news about a possible destination for former Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy and what the optics are about this development.

X: https://twitter...

After making the last two Stanley Cup Finals, there could only be one expectation for the Edmonton Oilers in 2026-27. Unfortunately, there's that saying of "The best laid plans.." and for the Oilers, the entire season never appeared to get traction.

They were exposed badly during the opening round of the playoffs by Anaheim and enter an off-season with a problem in goal, a severe lack of secondary scoring and perhaps just two more seasons of having Connor McDavid leading them.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Early goal given up? No problem for the Montreal Canadiens who simply brushed it off a rolled to move ahead in their Eastern Conference semi-final with the Buffalo Sabres.

In the West, some lineup changes brought the desired results for the Anaheim Ducks in squaring their series with the Vegas Golden Knights.

In Monday's lone game, the Minnesota Wild will look to build off Saturday's win which got them back into the series with the Colorado Avalanche though the Avs will have other ideas in their quest on pushing the Wild to the brink.

For the first time since the NHL went to a best-of-seven first round in 1987, a team has opened the post-season with eight straight wins as the Carolina Hurricanes followed their sweep of Ottawa with one over a game Philadelphia Flyers teams. The 'Canes will get another long rest as they await the winner of the Sabres-Canadiens series for an East Final dance partner.

Out west, the Minnesota Wild used the extra day off to re-energize and treated their home fans to an impressive win in pulling to within 2-1 of the Avalanche.

Vic and Neil...

Friday evening, the Montreal Canadiens took their third period momentum from Game 1 to even their Series with the Buffalo Sabres while in Anaheim, Vegas did likewise carried by a virtuoso performance from Mitch Marner.

In Saturday action, the Carolina Hurricanes look to become just the fifth team in NHL history to open a post-season 8-0 as they look to finish off the Philadelphia Flyers. Over in the West, the Colorado Avalanche also vie to remain perfect in the playoffs though the Minnesota Wild are hopeful being back at home will flip their fortunes in that series.

The Carolina Hurricanes continue to sail through the playoffs making it seven in a row in taking a 3-0 series lead lead over an injury-riddled Philadelphia Flyers team in the Eastern semis.

In Friday's action, the Canadiens look to pull even in Game 2 in Buffalo while the Ducks and Golden Knights will break their 1-1 deadlock as that series shifts to Anaheim.

Vic and Neil also weigh in on the Norris Trophy nominees heading into Mother's Day weekend.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

...

If it appears something always seems to happen to the Dallas Stars when the calendar flips to spring, you're probably not alone.

Despite being one of the top teams during the regular season for the past five seasons, injuries, cold streaks and simply not being able to close series out has spelled doom in Big D.

While the youth of the team are the cornerstones of the offense, other areas are starting to get on in years leading to a critical off-season for three-time GM of the Year, Jim Nill.

X: https://twitter...

The Sabres had their legs a bit quicker than the Canadiens Wednesday and that was enough to propel them to a win to open their second round series.

In Vegas, the Golden Knights never appeared to get their legs as the Ducks took home ice from the hosts in Game 2 of that Western Conference semi.

Vic and Neil look back at those games and preview Game 3 in Philadelphia where the wounded Flyers try to get back into their series with the Hurricanes.

All that plus the nominees for the Selke Trophy.

...

If there was a team that truly took people off guard in a positive way during the regular season, it was the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With a rookie head coach, an aging core and a relatively non-descript 2025 off-season, the Pens proved from opening night that, just because "experts" think one way, those assessments mean nothing to the team in the room.

Still, an opening-round playoff loss to a lower seed leaves plenty of questions for GM Kyle Dubas in preparing the club for 2026-27.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https...

With each passing game, the Colorado Avalanche continue to make a statement as to why they were Presidents' Trophy winners during the regular season after taking a 2-0 lead over a wounded Minnesota team in the Western semi-final Tuesday.

Vic and Neil look back on that game, preview the opener between the Sabres and Canadiens plus game two between the Golden Knights and Ducks AND...

...can anyone believe what happened at the NHL Draft Lottery?

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https...

Looking at some of the key stats for the Los Angeles Kings in 2925-26, that they even qualified for the playoff was a miracle. A late season coaching change, an uptick in play and the floundering of those around them proved to be just enough to get in...and they be disposed in four straight.

With their longtime captain retired and the head coaching position in flux, GM Ken Holland has a busy off-season ahead to upgrade an older, underperforming roster.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

The Philadelphia Flyers brought considerably more to the Carolina Hurricanes in the second game of their series Monday but just fell short as the 'Canes moved to 6-0 during the post season.

In Vegas, a controversial goal helped propel the Golden Knights past the Ducks in the opener of their Western semi-final.

Vic and Neil break it down and look ahead to the second game between the Avalanche and Wild...and guessing we won't see 15 goals this time around.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

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...

After making a surprise trip to the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2025, the Ottawa Senators faced an uphill climb for nearly the entire season before qualifying this time around.

Improved offensive output helped offset poor penalty killing, spotty goaltending and a rash of late season injuries to the defense. While it wasn't nearly enough to make a dent in the post-season, the Senators are known for their compete level and it's now up to GM Steve Staios to ensure that doesn't wane while bolstering the roster for 2026-27.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil...

Any thoughts the Carolina Hurricanes might have a bit of rust after a week since finishing off Ottawa, were quickly dispelled in gaining a quick upper hand over Philadelphia to kick off round two.

Vic and Neil review that game and preview two games on opposite sides of the playoff schedule as the Canadiens and Lightning conclude their epic opening round series in Tampa while the Wild and Avalanche open their second round series in Denver.

Finally, the urgency level is officially approaching DEFCON 1 in Edmonton and Charlie McAvoy may be on the sidelines to...

The essence of Stanley Cup theatre was on full display Friday as the Tampa Bay Lightning forced the lone seventh game in the opening round as Andrei Vasilevskiy simply refused to lose in the 1-0 OT win.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres and Vegas Golden Knights both punch their tickets to the second round, taking out Boston and Utah respectively.

Vic and Neil discuss the three games and also look ahead to the opening game of Round Two as Philadelphia takes on Carolina.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter...

It took 11 and nine years respectively but the Minnesota Wild and Anaheim Ducks are finally through to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Meanwhile a loaded Dallas Stars team maintained Bridesmaid status and the questions surrounding the two-time Western Conference champions are just beginning.

Vic and Neil break down Thursday's two games and look ahead to three more elimination games Friday as the Sabres, Canadiens and Golden Knights can reserve their spots in the final eight.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren...

The thrill ride in Philadelphia continued Wednesday with the lone goal of the night coming deep in overtime to propel the Flyers into the second round for a meeting with the Carolina Hurricanes.

There was also a late night in Sin City where it took double overtime to send Vegas to within a win of advancing while the Montreal Canadiens earned the right to finish off the Lightning Friday prevailing in Tampa.

Vic and Neil cover an entertaining evening and set up Thursday where higher seeds Dallas and Edmonton have to win on the road...

From cellar dwellers to playoff contenders, the San Jose Sharks made one of the most dramatic improvements in the NHL in 2025-26.

Led by budding superstar Macklin Celebrini, the Sharks remained in contention right to the end of the regular season.

With one of the most dynamic young offenses in the NHL, the priority for GM Mike Grier and head coach Ryan Warsofsky is to clean up the other end of the rink where the team remained one of the leakiest in the league.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith...

The Bruins and Oilers had plenty to prove after digging themselves 3-1 holes and both delivered to survive to Game 6.

In Dallas, the Stars did not run Wild over Minnesota and, thus, will head back to their former home trying to save their season.

Vic and Neil review the three Tuesday games and look ahead to Wednesday where a pair of deadlocked series will put teams in the drivers seat while the Flyers try for a third time to close out the Penguins.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https...

From Presidents' Trophy to missing the playoffs. That was the story of the 2025-26 Winnipeg Jets.

The season started well enough but lack of support for the top line and inconsistent play put the Jets in a position where they chased the pack during the second half and eventually ran out of runway to qualify for the post-season.

Vic and Neil look back at what their expectations were back last August, provide the data that spelled doom and fast forward to what lies ahead as GM Kevin Cheveldayoff prepares for 2026-27.

X: https...

Faced with different types of adversity, the Penguins and Golden Knights both answered the call Monday as the Pens staved off elimination for the second straight game and the VGK regained home ice advantage with an overtime win in Utah.

Vic and Neil will cover those games and also look ahead to a trio of Game 5's as the Sabres and Ducks look to advance at the expense of the Bruins and Oilers while Stars and Wild will break their 2-2 deadlock.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil<...

Every playoff series is like a fingerprint. No two series are exactly alike and each develops a unique personality as play moves on.

Two stirring games highlighted Sunday with the Anaheim Ducks moving to within a win to taking out the Edmonton Oilers with a controversial overtime goal while the Lightning used a late third period goal in Montreal to draw even in that series.

In a series played closer than would be suggested, the Colorado Avalanche completed a sweep Sunday, thus bringing to a close the career of Kings captain Anze Kopitar.

...

In the past four springs, there have been only two opening round sweeps. We got another one Saturday with Hurricanes being the first to punch their ticket to the conference semi-finals by taking out the Ottawa Senators.

The Pittsburgh Penguins put off their own summer vacation with a solid effort in Philadelphia while Minnesota Wild avenged a Game 3 double OT loss with an OT win of their own to square that series at 2-2.

Vic and Neil break it down and look ahead to a quartet of Game 4's Sunday.

X: https://twitter...

While road teams thrived Thursday, the hosts got the upper hand on Friday as the Canadiens, Mammoth and Ducks all took 2-1 series leads in their respective series.

Vic and Neil look at those games and set up Saturday where the Hurricanes and Flyers can be the first to advance and, in the process, ensure a second round matchup with each other.

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/<...

Two years ago, the Nashville Predators were the talk of the hockey world. Usually a conservative franchise, GM Barry Trotz stunned many by signing a trio of high-end free agents. The result: a disastrous 2024-25 season.

With expectations lowered, the Preds started this past season in similar fashion before turning into the team which was expected a season sooner. Though they finished short of a playoff spot, the personnel on the roster combined with a heap of draft picks in June will make this off season event - particularly with a new GM likely to be in...

While there was much anticipation in Boston, Ottawa and Los Angeles Thursday, home fans went home disappointed in each of those cities as the Sabres got a leg up on the Bruins and Hurricanes and Avalanche moved to within a win of advancing to round two.

Vic and Neil discuss the matchups and set up a trio of third games Friday, which includes the first-ever home playoff game for the Utah Mammoth.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/<...