Hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren discuss the latest developments as the regular NHL season nears its end, analyzing the playoff prospects for both the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Special guest Nick Kypreos provides insights into the New York Rangers' chances in the playoffs and discusses the ongoing drought of Canadian teams not winning the Stanley Cup.

The episode also touches on the Dallas Stars' strengths, Artemi Panarin's playoff performance expectations, and the underdog status of teams like the Vancouver Canucks.

In addition, the hosts explore the human Side of hockey, from the everyday lives of players and their families to the reality that referees, too, are susceptible to the game's physical dangers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:35] One Timers: Playoff teams change from 2023 & Dallas primed to top Western Conference
• [05:31] Exploring the Rangers' Playoff Prospects with Nick Kypreos
• [07:00] New York Rangers' current team and its potential compared to their 1994 Stanley Cup-winning team.
• [08:00] Nick Kypreos discusses the New York Rangers' chances in the playoffs and compares them to other teams.
• [09:21] Discussion about the Rangers' playing style and their potential success in the playoffs.
• [12:09] Artemi Panarin's performance in the playoffs and his importance to the Rangers.
• [16:57] Conversation shifts to identifying a key player (a "horse") for the Rangers in the playoffs.
• [17:27] Evaluation of Matt Rempe's potential impact on the Rangers' playoff lineup.
• [22:09] Canadian Teams' Stanley Cup Drought Discussion.
• [29:53] Insights into the Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets.
• [36:03] Discussion about Evander Kane needing to step up for the Edmonton Oilers.
• [39:18] Nick Kypreos mentions his work with Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada.
• [41:28] Reflecting on the Human Side of the Story - players are people too.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Nick discusses the current New York Rangers team, expressing optimism about their potential to compete for the Stanley Cup. Despite acknowledging the presence of strong teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, he believes the Rangers have the talent, depth, and toughness to be contenders.
• Player Focus: The discussion highlights Artemi Panarin's significance for the Rangers' playoff prospects. Nick stresses the need for leadership and character growth in players like Panarin, alongside the importance of consistency from Chris Kreider.
• Playoff Strategy: The conversation also touches on the strategic decisions needed for playoff success, including the balance between lateral passing and straight-line attacks.
• The human aspect of professional hockey, emphasizing the personal lives and emotions of players underneath their uniforms, shedding light on the impact of career-related events on the players and their families.

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/

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