14 years ago, the Buffalo Sabres qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs with Lindy Ruff behind their bench. Fourteen years and six head coaches later, Ruff was tabbed again last year to try to recapture some post-season magic in Buffalo. Unfortunately, it hasn't gone exactly to plan.

Another slow start punctuated by lack of offense has quickly tested the patience of the fans in Western New York. Buffalo News columnist Mike Harrington joins Neil and Vic to get the pulse in the winning starved city.

We'll also return with Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To starting with an historic dry spell in the Big Apple along with other items of note from around the NHL.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:28] - Three Things You Need to Pay Attention To opens the show with the New York Rangers firing blanks at home and a player that they'd like wish they still had.

[09:26] - Mike Harrington joins the show and delivers the mood in the Buffalo area with the Sabres struggling, the Bills hitting a bump in the road and the Blue Jays having their hands full in the ALCS.

[10:49] - Starting the breakdown of where it continues to go wrong and why the Sabres can't seem to have the Bills relative success.

[13:29] - Moving from ownership to the front office where the club simply doesn't appear to have a true identity and fan patience is thin before the leaves have started to fall.

[15:49] - Though most people are not pointing the finger at the head coach, Vic presses Mike on his position on Lindy Ruff.

[18:25] - While the team has been affected by injuries early on, Neil is flabbergasted at some of the moves that have been made. Harrington adds his perspective.

[21:49] - The Jack Eichel saga leading to his departure from Buffalo to Vegas.

[23:41] - The big picture, as Mike sees it, in how the Sabres get their early woes turned around.

[25:06] - While the goaltending and defense are respectable, some difference of opinion on the forward group in relation to the balance of the NHL.

[29:10] - Adding to the frustration in Buffalo is the number of players that have won Stanley Cups elsewhere since departing the team.

[31:33] - In the immediate, the baby steps needed to gain traction - as if the first week of the season never happened.

[35:39] - Wrapping up the discussion with Mike Harrington

[37:04] - Other items from around the NHL including a salute to the latest member of the 1500 games played club.

[46:28] - A Human Side of the Story bit on how general managers - such as Kevyn Adams - deal with a high level of negativity when their franchise loses its way.

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

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

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The first week of the 2025-26 season is complete. Teams have played an average of three games apiece. Entering Tuesday only Buffalo, the N.Y. Islanders and San Jose are winless but each has a very different feel to it.

We bounce around to some other league happenings, some major injury news in Ottawa and a nice, new contract for last year's Calder Trophy winner.

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

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Professional hockey has a long lineage of families who have had a prominent impact on the game. From the Staal's and Sutter's to the Hull's and Bentley's and beyond, each has left it's mark.

However, if one is looking for the true first family of hockey, you'd have to go back well over a century to the name Patrick...one which continues to influence hockey today.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:53] - Neil's and Craig's first meeting.

[02:58] - Rules that Patrick's great uncle, Frank and grandfather Lester introduced into hockey over a century ago. Vic adds some historical perspective to underscoring their place in hockey history.

[06:20] - Craig's early years growing up with hockey including a vision he had of his recently passed grandfather while skating in the Montreal Forum.

[11:07] - Stories from the sixties where Patrick's route to the pros took a detour attending - and winning a pair of championships at the University of Denver - before spending two years in the service.

[14:02] - How playing on weaker NHL clubs played a role in how Patrick approached building teams in a managerial role.

[15:34] - The 1980 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Hockey team experience with head coach Herb Brooks. Patrick cites perhaps the single biggest key to one of sports greatest stories.

[18:23] - How Patrick ended up with the Rangers, first working under Fred Shero and then taking over for him as general manager in 1980. After coaching New York to the semi-finals in '80, he gets his man to run the team.

[21:55] - After six successful year in New York where the Rangers made the playoffs each year, the draft pick in '86 which Patrick believes got him fired.

[23:35] - The construction of the Penguins championship teams with the main piece already in place and watching that player evolve as a leader and Conn Smythe Trophy winner in 1991 and 1992.

[27:25] - The second Cup which came after dealing with heavy hearts early in the season.

[30:49] - Perhaps even better than the two Cup winners, the missed opportunity for a three-peat and a true place in hockey history.

[32:23] -As a former GM of the Rangers himself, Neil takes Craig on the nostalgic path back to the significance of being part of a franchise which is synonymous with his family's name.

[33:28] - Despite winning in Pittsburgh, there was also reality of dealing with tight purse strings in a smaller market.

[35:35] - Patrick's legacy carries on today with some of the players he drafted in Pittsburgh prior to leaving the organization.

[37:54] - Craig talks about his current venture as commissioner of 3Ice, a summer league of three-on-three hockey with legends of the game coaching the squads in the eight team league.

[42:34] - Summing up the true first family of hockey: The Patrick's.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

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

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

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Twenty-one games in the books as the new season is underway. Plenty of coverage including contract extensions, debuts in new places and observations as all 32 teams have emerged from the starting blocks.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

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

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

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After some shenanigans in Ottawa and the Sunshine State to wrap up the pre-season, the Tuesday openers can't get here fast enough.

Vic and Neil look at those three games, coaches debuting with new teams and dates major free agents kick off their respective seasons.

And, it's never too late to look ahead to the 2026 Entry Draft where the projected number one pick is already making an impression...and a former number one overall has signed a contract extension that may surprise many of you.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

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

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

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Ready for another round? The new season is at our doorstep and, with it, comes our season preview show with long-time Canadian commentator and host of The Sheet Podcast, Jeff Marek.

We'll be talking the new era of money as it pertains to player contacts and free agency, new faces behind the bench and who may be on the hot seat, plus players and teams to look out for as the Florida Panthers look to three-peat despite having to deal with some key injuries.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:15] - Show me the money! Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov got a visit from the Brinks truck with Connor McDavid's situation still looming. As big as these new contracts are getting, Jeff believes we've come to a point we need to get comfortable with that.

[06:44] - McDavid's potential term with Leon Draisaitl starting a new eight-year deal while RFA Evan Bouchard opted for half that length.

[13:49] - Not all of these contracts work out as well as the day they are signed. A discussion of which deals may wind up being albatrosses around a team's neck.

[21:46] - Amidst the big money, perhaps some bargains out there as well.

[29:30] - Nine new head coaches this season. Taking a look at who will make the biggest impact in his first season with their new team.

[35:50] - Coaches who might be looking over their shoulders should their teams have a slow start.

[40:08] - The panel weighs in with their breakout players

[46:09] - Power shifts. The teams which start to rise and those who might be in for a slip.

[51:05] - Teams which may sneak in if one of the regulars slip up.

[56:33] - The Florida Panthers are behind the eight ball from the start of the season in their quest to do something no team since the 1982 Islanders did, win three straight Stanley Cups.

[1:01:01] - Picks for the Final.

[1:06:18] - A personal note from Vic and Neil with a new season upon us.

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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The NHL has a long history of players who have made their mark as open-ice hitters, perhaps none who delivered more punishment than Scott Stevens.

The 2007 Hall of Fame inductee joins Neil and Vic to talk playing style, leadership and captaincy and winning three Stanley Cups in New Jersey under three different head coaches.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:44] - Neil opens about one of his pet peeves: a player having to answer for delivering a big hit. As Stevens shares, it's a far cry from when he played.

[04:06] - Neil takes Scott back to his days as a Ranger...a Kitchener Ranger, where he had his number 3 retired. That number followed him to Washington, then changed when he went to St. Louis and, later, New Jersey.

[06:07] - First NHL Game, October 6, 1982.

[06:54] - Highly emotional in his early years in the NHL, Stevens shares his turning point took where learned he could maintain his intensity and keep his emotions more in check.

[09:34] - Scott's mentors upon his arrival in Washington in 1982.

[11:09] - Captain's have varying leadership styles. For Stevens, it was always less about words and more about setting examples through action.

[13:11] - After spending his first eight seasons in Washington, Stevens signed as a free agent in St. Louis in 1990 only to be awarded to New Jersey as compensation for the Blues signing Brendan Shanahan a year later.

[15:08] - The acclimation to new teammates in New Jersey and assuming the Devils captaincy in his second season with the team.

[16:46] - Neil explains the Group I/Group II free agency in that era which left Stevens future in the hands of an arbitrator. Scott also notes the emotions waiting for the decision to come down.

[20:16] - As captain of the three New Jersey Cup winners in 1995, 2000 and 2003, was the best Devils team ever one that did not capture a title?

[22:19] - The first Cup in 1995 following a half-season lockout.

[24:37] - Stevens comments on the three different head coaches behind the bench for those Stanley Cup wins.

[30:31] - In each of those championship seasons, a signature hit was delivered to players with their heads down. According to Stevens, it was that physical play which helped the other parts of his game.

[31:55] - Considering the ferocity of Stevens open-ice hits, the number of elbowing penalties he incurred in a 22-season career might surprise you.

[34:03] - A little comic relief.

[35:55] - The first-ever Devil to have his number retired.

[37:25] - Neil wraps up the interview revealing to Scott that they actually had a common defense partner at different points in their careers.

[39:47] - Closing words on the Scott Stevens interview.

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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A major contract extension and it's potential ripple effect. Some major injury updates starting with the defending Stanley Cup champions and while one goalie says says farewell, another veteran netminder is looking to hook on with his original team.

The 2025-26 regular season is just a week away and we have the latest.

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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The third installment of the Hall of Fame Edition is a man synonymous with the Winged Wheel logo. Steve Yzerman's entire playing career was spent in the Motor City with the transition to management taking place nearly two decades ago.

Steve stops by for a chat with Vic and Neil and we cover the entire spectrum for youth to his playing career to the rivalry with the Colorado Avalanche to life as a hockey executive.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:10] - The show opens with Neil and Steve recalling their first meeting at the 1983 Memorial Cup when Yzerman was just 18-years-old and how he ended up with number 19.

[03:23] - Not so fond memories having to wear the one-piece Cooperalls for Peterborough during the junior years.

[04:27] - Early upbringing from Cranbrook, BC to the OHL and returning home a few years ago on a scouting trip where Yzerman visited his first rink.

[06:51] - The 1983 Entry Draft and the expectations of staying with the big club immediately. Current Seattle head coach Lane Lambert was selected in that draft as well.

[09:41] - Being named captain of the Red Wings in 1986 at age 21. As an executive now, his thoughts on whether he'd name a captain that young.

[11:06] - Learning to lead.

[13:03] - The key conversation with head coach Scotty Bowman where some of the big offensive numbers might need to be sacrificed a bit in order for the Wings to have more team success, particularly in the playoffs.

[17:17] - Steve's most memorable goals as he recalls them.

[18:07] - The white heat rivalry with the Avalanche born in 1996.

[21:36] - The first Stanley Cup in Yzerman's career in 1997 breaking a 42-year drought for the Wings dating back to 1955. Coming off the losses to Colorado and Team USA in the World Cup of Hockey in 1996, there were doubts Steve would ever become a champion.

[25:33] - The 1998 and 2002 championships where severely injured defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov and head coach Scotty Bowman had special Stanley Cup moments.

[28:25] - After winning another Cup as VP of the Red Wings in 2008, Yzerman became GM in Tampa, learning the ropes from Ken Holland. Though he didn't win a Cup with the Lightning, he laid the foundation for the championship teams in 2020 and 2021.

[32:29] - The difference of building a team in 2025 as compared to 2010.

[35:40] - The harsh reality of building a playoff team when only half of the teams make the post-season.

[40:59] - Putting a wrap on the Hall of Fame chat with Steve Yzerman

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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The envy of the NHL for the first half of last decade, the Chicago Blackhawks have come upon difficult times since winning their last Stanley Cup in 2015. The road back to respectability has been slow and frustrating for fans in the Windy City.

While a bit more patience may be in order, there's reason for optimism as Jeff Blashill begins a new era behind the Blackhawks bench bringing with him a reputation for developing players with a focus on fundamentals. Neil and Vic speak with Blashill to get a line on his expectations for the coming season.

With October around the corner, some other news making headlines from a concerned fan based regarding potential signings to injury news to a pair of superstars prepared to start the season as regular linemates.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:54] - New Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill joins the show now coaching his second original six team.

[02:30] - Blashill's decision to go to college elsewhere and play goal despite being raised in the Upper Peninsula near Lake Superior State.

[04:27] - Once coming to the realization that coaching was going to be his future, Blashill used his goalie perspective to determine how to run certain drills.

[06:00] - Neil and Jeff and the Western Michigan bond.

[08:04] - Having won championships as a head coach at two minor league levels, the message to his Blackhawks knowing what the perception of the team is around the hockey world.

[10:43] - The systematic approach needed to return the Blackhawks to respectability.

[12:13] - Having coached Dylan Larkin in his first seven NHL seasons, the teachings Blashill might employ with Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar.

[14:45] - The effect assistant coach Michael Peca - an excellent two-way player in his day - can help Bedard develop into more of a 200-foot player.

[17:28] - Similar to his Grand Rapids experience, Blashill will be counting on some of his veterans to help with younger players.

[19:10] - Doubling back to other star forwards of the past whose complete games took time to mature.

[21:03] - Players that have impressed since camp has opened and a word on goaltender Spencer Knight.

[23:24] - A unique situation where the coach who finished last season behind the Chicago bench is one of Blashill's other assistants for 2025-26.

[25:42] - Wrapping up with Jeff Blashill.

[28:54] - Two of the five Team Canada players acquitted in the sexual assault case stemming from an incident at the World Junior Championships in 2018 are being connected to the Carolina Hurricanes - and many of their fans aren't pleased about it.

[31:19] - Other news includes an indefinite leave of absence by a Toronto goalie, some injury news, the Oilers superstars opening the season playing together and remembering three Hall of Fame goalies lost in a 16-day period.

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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