In this NHL Wraparound Special Edition, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren are joined by Eddie Olczyk, NHL on TNT analyst and Stanley Cup champion, for a high-level breakdown of the 2024 NHL Conference Finals.

The episode begins with a reflection on the Vancouver Canucks’ playoff run, including the impact of key injuries like Thatcher Demko and Brock Boeser. Olczyk shares how these setbacks altered Vancouver’s trajectory and highlights how resilience and depth define playoff success.

From there, the team dives into the two marquee matchups:

• New York Rangers vs. Florida Panthers
• Dallas Stars vs. Edmonton Oilers

Olczyk analyzes team structures, standout performers, and goaltending matchups, offering strategic predictions and breakdowns. He identifies Dallas’s defensive discipline, Edmonton’s goaltending concerns, and how special teams and injuries will shape the final four.

The episode concludes with Eddie’s personal journey, including his career highlights, battle with cancer, and passion for broadcasting. In The Human Side of the Story, Olczyk’s message of perseverance and love for the game resonates deeply.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:39] Conference Finals preview begins

[01:17] Vancouver’s missed opportunity and playoff learning curves

[05:25] Eddie Olczyk joins: A hockey life from Cup wins to cancer survival

[08:28] Reflections on the 1994 Rangers and championship culture

[17:01] Rangers vs. Panthers: Star power and coaching adjustments

[23:22] Goaltending, depth, and playoff x-factors

[32:56] Hockey IQ: The power of spatial awareness

[33:22] Florida’s physicality vs. Rangers’ structure

[36:01] Stars vs. Oilers: Playoff history and style contrast

[37:02] How Dallas wins with less on defense

[42:46] Edmonton’s goaltending dilemma: Skinner vs. Pickard

[50:18] Predictions and personal stories from Eddie

[53:46] Final Four picks and Stanley Cup projections

[57:10] The Human Side of the Story: Olczyk’s resilience and message to fans

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Injuries can swing a series: Vancouver’s loss of key players drastically altered their playoff path.
• Goaltending and depth remain defining factors. Olczyk pinpoints Dallas’s defensive structure as a playoff asset, while Edmonton’s goalie situation could derail their momentum.
• Team culture, coaching, and emotional resilience matter as much as talent in these matchups.
• Eddie Olczyk’s story of perseverance offers inspiration beyond the rink, reminding fans of hockey’s human core.

LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

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/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

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ABOUT EDDIE OLCZYK:

Edward "Eddie" Olczyk Jr. played 16 seasons in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and others, winning the Stanley Cup in 1994. Now a national NHL analyst on TNT, Olczyk is admired for his insightful commentary, deep hockey knowledge, and resilience in the face of personal health battles. His voice continues to elevate the game both on and off the ice.

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