In this special episode of the NHL WrapAround podcast, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia Flyers' first Stanley Cup victory. Joined by special guests Jay Snider, son of Flyers' founder Ed Snider, and legendary goaltender Bernie Parent, where they reminisce about the history and legacy of the 1974 championship team.

The guests share insights into the Flyers' journey, the leadership and vision of Ed Snider, and the transformation of the team into the 'Broad Street Bullies.' They reminisce about memorable moments, including battles with the Boston Bruins, the strategy against Bobby Orr, and the impact of Fred Shero's coaching.

The podcast also touches on the Flyers' subsequent victory in 1975, the team's enduring legacy, and the personal stories of camaraderie and triumph. The conversation is a heartfelt tribute to the Flyers' historic achievement and the figures who made it possible, evoking the spirit of teamwork and dedication that defined their Stanley Cup runs.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:34] Reliving the Cup on Broad Street: 50 Years Later
• [02:05] The Birth of the Broad Street Bullies
• [05:24] The evolution of the Flyers and the road to the Cup
• [12:36] Turning points in Flyers history
• [31:39] Flyers vs. Bruins for the Stanley Cup
• [36:49] Reflecting on unforgettable memories and legendary strategies
• [38:59] The road to the First Championship
• [42:48] Celebrating the victory and the power of togetherness and legacy
• [46:10] The impact of leadership and team spirit
• [56:53] The Second Cup
• [59:51] Legacy and reflections
• [01:03:55] The importance of passion and perseverance

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Ed Snider's determination to transform the Flyers into a tougher team was pivotal. His decision to combat physical teams like the St. Louis Blues set the foundation for the Flyers' future success.
• Bernie Parent’s return to the Flyers brought crucial goaltending skills and experience, significantly contributing to the team's championship win.
• The Flyers' success was not just about individual talent but about a collective culture of passion, teamwork, and resilience. This culture was ingrained in the players, management, and fans alike.
• Bernie Parent learned valuable skills and strategies from legendary goaltender Jacques Plante during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which he later applied to his play with the Flyers.
• Key moments, such as the Flyers' first-place finish in their inaugural season and the drafting of Bobby Clarke, were crucial steps toward building a championship team.
• The discussion highlights a deep sense of gratitude and legacy, emphasizing how the triumphs and challenges of the 1974 Flyers continue to inspire and shape the team’s identity today.

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/

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Dave Jackson, former NHL referee and current ESPN Rules Analyst, joins Neil and Vic to discuss the intensity of playoff hockey, the role and challenges of officials, and the evolution of the two-man officiating system.

They explore video review complexities and the subjective nature of certain calls. Critiquing the rules like hand passing in the defensive zone and puck-over-glass penalties, while Jackson suggests reforms, such as allowing hand passes across all areas of the ice. They also discuss simplifying offside reviews and adjusting instigator penalties to reduce fighting.

Debate on the Toronto Maple Leafs' salary cap management and coaching decisions, discussing the trend of firing coaches without clear improvements. Concluding with the Human Side of the Story on fan emotion swings in the second round.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:41] Spotlight on unexpected Playoff Heroes
• [01:46] One Timers: Analyzing playoff team dynamics
• [05:40] Referee Insights with Dave Jackson
• [14:23] The rigorous life of NHL Officials
• [17:43] Evolution of NHL officiating and rules analysis
• [29:20] Debating hockey rules and penalties
• [30:10] Expanding the hand pass rule
• [31:37] Controversy of puck over glass and goal scoring rules
• [35:10] Offside rule revisions and the impact on the game
• [37:47] Addressing open ice hits and instigator penalties
• [43:50] Navigating the Maple Leafs' coaching and salary cap challenges
• [50:48] Human Side of the Story: Fan Emotions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Stanley Cup playoffs are highly competitive due to the evenly matched teams, with no clear dominant "super team."
• Goaltender interference is a complex and subjective area of officiating, with video review adding another layer of judgment.
• NHL referees undergo rigorous physical and mental preparation to handle the demands of officiating games, including the transition to a two-man system.
• Fans experience intense emotions, ranging from elation to despair, based on their team's performance in the playoffs.

Send questions or comments to NHLWraparound@gmail.com

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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John Buccigross, Long-time studio host and Play-by-Play man for the NHL on ESPN, is back for round two of the Stanley Cup playoffs. They provide detailed analysis and predictions for each series, including team matchups and key players to watch.

Throughout the episode, insights into coaching strategies, player performances, and potential outcomes of the playoffs are shared, alongside personal anecdotes and memories of working with Melrose.

The Human Side of the Story also pays tribute to Barry Melrose, a beloved figure in hockey broadcasting who recently retired due to Parkinson's disease.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:17] Playoff formats and matchups
• [03:13] The Saga of the Toronto Maple Leafs: Analysis and Future Prospects
• [05:36] Round One Recap and Round Two Predictions with John Buccigross
• [07:17] Rangers vs. Hurricanes
• [18:00] Bruins vs. Panthers
• [29:28] Dallas vs. Colorado
• [31:51] Analyzing key players and strategies
• [33:14] Goalie Showdown: Georgiev vs. Oettinger
• [42:53] Vancouver vs. Edmonton
• [52:45] The Human Side: Saluting Barry Melrose

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The discussion shifts to the Toronto Maple Leafs, focusing on their perennial playoff struggles and financial challenges. With significant salary cap commitments to key players, questions arise about potential roster changes and the team's direction moving forward.
• Peter DeBoer's coaching resilience is highlighted, with emphasis on his ability to quickly bounce back from job losses in the NHL. Despite being fired mid-season, he was hired by another team during the same season, showcasing his consistent employment and ability to command respect in the hockey world.
• Heartfelt tribute to Barry Melrose, a former NHL player and coach turned broadcaster, who retired due to Parkinson's disease. Melrose's impact on hockey, both as a player and a broadcaster, is acknowledged, emphasizing his quick wit, humor, and iconic presence in hockey broadcasting.

Barry Melrose/BucciOT: https://www.bucciot.com/

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/

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