Best Manager S Table Podcasts (2025)

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NHL Wraparound Short Shifts - Sept. 12, 2025 21:21

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1h ago21:21

21:21

Some significant league news heading into the weekend so a good time dust off Short Shifts. Vic and Neil will talk about the five World Junior players from team Canada in 2018 that were acquitted on sexual misconduct charges in July and will now have the opportunity to resume their NHL careers. The contract saga of Minnesota star Kirill Kaprizov wi…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Toronto Maple Leafs 8:13

3h ago8:13

8:13

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren turn their sights to the Toronto Maple Leafs, a franchise with sky-high expectations and one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports. Despite finishing first in the Atlantic Division with 108 points, the Leafs fell in seven games to Florida—with especial…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Winnipeg Jets 12:29

2d ago12:29

12:29

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dissect the Winnipeg Jets, who entered 2025 as the surprise Presidents’ Trophy winners—only to fall in the second round of the playoffs. After a miraculous comeback in Game 7 vs. St. Louis, the Jets were grounded by the Dallas Stars—and the split personality home/road recor…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Washington Capitals 8:49

3h ago8:49

8:49

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren head to the nation's capital to break down the Washington Capitals, a team coming off a quietly dominant 2024–25 regular season... and a playoff run that ended just as quietly. Washington finished with 111 points, 1st in the Metro, and 2nd overall in the NHL—yet fizzled in …

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Vegas Golden Knights 8:06

11h ago8:06

8:06

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren head to the desert to break down the Vegas Golden Knights, a team still in win-now mode—and not afraid to prove it Coming off a 110-point season and a second-round loss to Edmonton, Vegas pulled off the biggest move of the offseason, acquiring Mitch Marner from Toronto and …

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Vancouver Canucks 7:37

13m ago7:37

7:37

In this Summer Coolers episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dissect the rollercoaster that is the Vancouver Canucks. Coming off a season filled with locker room drama, failed expectations, and big-name regression, the Canucks hit reset under first-year head coach Adam Foote. After missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five yea…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Pittsburgh Penguins 8:31

13m ago8:31

8:31

In this edition of NHL Wraparound's Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive into one of the NHL's most iconic yet most uncertain franchises: the Pittsburgh Penguins. For the fourth straight season, the Penguins look like they'll miss the playoffs—despite having Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson still on the roster.…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - St. Louis Blues 10:32

13m ago10:32

10:32

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren spotlight one of the most resilient turnarounds of the 2024–25 season: the St. Louis Blues. After a rough start under Drew Bannister, the Blues handed the reins to Jim Montgomery—and never looked back. A remarkable 35-18-7 run followed, including a 12-game winning streak th…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Tampa Bay Lightning 5:57

13m ago5:57

5:57

In this episode of NHL Wraparound's Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team loaded with offensive firepower—but still struggling to get out of the first round of the playoffs. Despite finishing second in the Atlantic and ranking #1 in league scoring, the Lightning were eliminated in the first round by th…

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Episode 73 - Back in the Saddle in Big D with Stars Head Coach Glen Gulutzan 47:16

17m ago47:16

47:16

If you believe in second chances, Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan has a story or two he could share. After being relieved of his duties in 2013 by general manager Jim Nill, it's that same GM who has brought back Gulutzan to complete some unfinished business in Dallas. Engaging and insightful, Gulutzan clearly has the vision and sees the end g…

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2025 Summer Cooler - Ottawa Senators 4:27

9h ago4:27

4:27

In this Summer Coolers episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down one of the league’s grittiest young clubs: the Ottawa Senators. After ending their playoff drought with a gutsy first-round battle against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Sens showed resilience—pushing the Leafs to six games after being down 3–0. But questions remai…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Seattle Kraken 9:21

9h ago9:21

9:21

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive deep into the least inspiring of the 32 NHL teams heading into the 2025–26 season: the Seattle Kraken. After a quick taste of playoff success in their second year, the Kraken have slid into irrelevance—27th overall last season, a questionable coaching hire in Lane Lamb…

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2025 Summer Cooler - Philadelphia Flyers 11:50

9h ago11:50

11:50

In this Summer Coolers episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dig into a franchise in transition: the Philadelphia Flyers. Rick Tocchet steps behind the bench, marking the team’s third coach in three seasons after Brad Shaw and John Tortorella. Meanwhile, Trevor Zegras arrives in a headline-making trade, bringing high-end skill and a …

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Utah Mammoth 11:22

9h ago11:22

11:22

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the newly renamed Utah Mammoth—formerly the Utah Hockey Club—who enter their first season with a permanent identity and rising expectations. Despite a rebrand and a new home in Salt Lake City, the pressure remains: make the playoffs for the first time in six year…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - New York Rangers 9:54

1d ago9:54

9:54

In this edition of NHL Wraparound’s Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dissect one of the most dramatic collapses in recent NHL memory: the New York Rangers. Just one year after winning the Presidents’ Trophy, the Rangers became only the fourth team in league history to miss the playoffs the following season. From special teams regression to…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Montreal Canadiens 9:36

1d ago9:36

9:36

In this episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren turn their attention to the Montreal Canadiens — a team on the rise after breaking back into the playoffs for the first time since their 2021 Stanley Cup Final appearance. The hosts dig deep into Montreal’s pivotal offseason, highlighted by a massive trade for defenseman Noah Dobson and t…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - San Jose Sharks 9:11

1d ago9:11

9:11

In the final episode of NHL Wraparound’s Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren close out the series with the San Jose Sharks — a team that might just be entering its most hopeful rebuild phase in years. After finishing dead last in 2024–25 with only 52 points, the Sharks are beginning to turn the corner. They’ve added key veterans like Jeff Ski…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Nashville Predators 7:51

1d ago7:51

7:51

In this episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine one of the most baffling underperformers of the 2024–25 season: the Nashville Predators. Coming off a year that began with high expectations after blockbuster free-agent signings, the Preds collapsed to a 30–44–8 record and were never competitive. Now, as they enter 2025–26 with v…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - New York Islanders 10:47

2d ago10:47

10:47

The New York Islanders enter the 2025–26 season with a new GM at the helm, Matthew Darche, replacing Hall of Famer Lou Lamoriello. After finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference last season and missing the playoffs with a 500 record, the Islanders are retooling—and arguably rebuilding. Hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down what Darche inherite…

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2025 Summer Cooler - Minnesota Wild 7:02

2d ago7:02

7:02

In this episode of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the Minnesota Wild — a team that continues to underperform in the playoffs despite regular season success. With 97 points last season and yet another first-round exit, the Wild haven’t won a playoff series in a decade. So what’s next? Neil and Vic evaluate the off-season moves …

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Edmonton Oilers 10:03

2d ago10:03

10:03

This Summer Cooler features one of the most fascinating—and fragile—franchises in the NHL: the Edmonton Oilers. Despite being two-time defending Western Conference champions, the Oilers have no Cup to show for it, and now they face the biggest storyline in the NHL heading into 2025–26: 🔥 Connor McDavid enters the final year of his contract. With Le…

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2025 Summer Cooler - Florida Panthers 9:12

2d ago9:12

9:12

The Florida Panthers are back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions — and now chasing history. In this episode, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down how GM Bill Zito has kept the core together, added smart depth pieces, and positioned Paul Maurice’s team for a legitimate shot at a third straight Cup. The hosts discuss offseason moves, key re-signings, and …

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Dallas Stars 11:11

3d ago11:11

11:11

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive deep into the state of the Dallas Stars, a team that continues to knock on the door but can’t quite break it down. After a heartbreaking third straight Conference Final loss, the Stars made a surprising offseason move—replacing head coach Peter DeBoer with Glen G…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - New Jersey Devils 6:27

3d ago6:27

6:27

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive into the offseason changes, roster dynamics, and forward outlook for the New Jersey Devils, a team that finished third in the Metropolitan Division with 91 points and was bounced in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes. With playoff experience under their b…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Los Angeles Kings 9:14

3d ago9:14

9:14

In this episode of Summer Coolers, Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive into the offseason developments for the Los Angeles Kings after another frustrating playoff exit. For the fourth consecutive year, the Kings were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round—this time after holding multiple leads and letting key games slip away. With Rob Blak…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Detroit Red Wings 5:37

3d ago5:37

5:37

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Detroit Red Wings—a franchise inching toward contention but still battling to break through. It’s been nine consecutive seasons without a playoff berth in Hockeytown. The last time the Red Wings won a playoff series? Back in 2013. Now, under Steve Yzerman'…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Colorado Avalanche 9:03

4d ago9:03

9:03

In this Summer Coolers episode of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine the Colorado Avalanche, a franchise that continues to contend—but still hasn’t returned to the Stanley Cup Final since hoisting the trophy in 2022. The Avalanche finished the 2024–25 season with 102 points and their eighth straight playoff appearance, but fell…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Calgary Flames 7:01

4d ago7:01

7:01

In this Summer Coolers episode of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive into the state of the Calgary Flames—a team coming off a surprising 2024–25 campaign that ended in heartbreak. Despite being one of the league’s feel-good stories down the stretch, the Flames missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season, falling short via…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Columbus Blue Jackets 7:53

4d ago7:53

7:53

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren review the offseason, roster structure, and playoff hopes of the Columbus Blue Jackets—a team that came painfully close to breaking their five-year postseason drought in 2024–25. The Blue Jackets finished with 89 points, just two shy of the final wild card spot, and w…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Anaheim Ducks 8:24

5d ago8:24

8:24

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren dive deep into one of the NHL’s most intriguing rebuilding teams—the Anaheim Ducks. After a quiet climb last season, Anaheim has made bold moves, signaling their intent to challenge for a wild card spot in 2026. From the surprise hiring of Joel Quenneville to a dramat…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Chicago Blackhawks 11:34

7d ago11:34

11:34

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren take a sobering look at the Chicago Blackhawks, a franchise still in the early stages of a rebuild despite having Connor Bedard, the most hyped first-overall pick in years. Chicago finished last in the Central Division for a third straight season and posted just 61 po…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Carolina Hurricanes 11:59

5d ago11:59

11:59

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the Carolina Hurricanes’ offseason, their consistent regular season success, and the lingering concerns that have prevented them from reaching the Stanley Cup Final—despite three Conference Final appearances in the last seven years. The Canes finished secon…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Boston Bruins 6:45

5d ago6:45

6:45

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren take a hard look at the Boston Bruins, a team that has fallen dramatically from its historic high just two seasons ago. After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, the Bruins are in unfamiliar territory. With major roster departures and minimal offseason…

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2025 NHL Summer Cooler - Buffalo Sabres 4:45

5d ago4:45

4:45

In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren assess the state of the Buffalo Sabres, a team that once again finds itself outside the playoff picture—with 14 consecutive seasons without a postseason appearance. Despite fielding the 10th-ranked offense in the NHL last year (3.23 goals per game), the Sabres were un…

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NHL Wraparound Hall of Fame Edition - Scotty Bowman 1:02:37

7d ago1:02:37

1:02:37

With the calendar flipping to September and the 2025-26 season now just a month away, Neil and Vic are proud to launch the Hall of Fame Edition. NHL Wraparound launched in January 2024 with the greatest player, Wayne Gretzky, as the first guest. This new franchise begins with its greatest-ever coach, Scotty Bowman. IN THIS EPISODE: [02:52] - Scotty…

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Episode 72 - 2025 Summer Cooler - Pacific Division 1:14:10

13d ago1:14:10

1:14:10

The hosts wrap up the Summer Cooler series focusing on the Pacific Division where the Edmonton Oilers have represented the Western Conference in the past two Stanley Cup Finals though the division sent only three teams to the playoffs in 2025. IN THIS EPISODE [01:44] - Edmonton Oilers - The most compelling question for the upcoming campaign is whet…

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Episode 71 - 2025 Summer Cooler - Central Division 1:26:27

15d ago1:26:27

1:26:27

The Western Conference gets the stage starting with the Central Division in the third of four Summer Cooler shows. IN THIS EPISODE [02:31] - Winnipeg Jets - The defending Presidents' Trophy winners fell short in the second round of the playoffs. They face a new world with the departure of star wing Nikolaj Ehlers to Carolina. [14:56] - Dallas Stars…

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Episode 70 - 2025 Summer Cooler - Metropolitan Division 1:23:59

18d ago1:23:59

1:23:59

Installment 2 of the 2025 Summer Cooler Series as Vic and Neil examine the off-season moves in the Metropolitan Division. IN THIS EPISODE [03:29] - Washington Capitals - From barely making the post-season in 2024 to the top regular season team in the East, can many who had career seasons stage an encore? [12:23] - Carolina Hurricanes - Do two signi…

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Episode 69 - 2025 Summer Cooler - Atlantic Division 1:01:15

20d ago1:01:15

1:01:15

The Summer Coolers return for a second season as Neil and Vic kick off the quarter of shows by digging into the Atlantic Division. IN THIS EPISODE: [02:53] - Florida Panthers. Can the two-time defending champions make history? [11:34] - Toronto Maple Leafs. Will the coming season be any different than each one since 1967? [19:48] - Tampa Bay Lightn…

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NHL Wraparound Celebrity Series - Chris Chelios - August 14, 2025 40:59

26d ago40:59

40:59

He's a hockey Hall of Famer who now has a movie credit to his name. He's also an entrepreneur in a life that has always been on the go. Chris Chelios drops by for a fun chat with Neil and Vic IN THIS EPISODE: [01:38] - The Happy Gilmore 2 experience where Chris played a non-speaking role as a henchman alongside fellow NHLer Sean Avery. [04:07] - Ch…

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Episode 68 - Pulling Back the Curtain with Katie Strang from The Athletic 43:44

1M ago43:44

43:44

With NHL training camps set to open in a few weeks, the anticipation of a new season will begin. Still, the sport has received unwanted attention in an area that has had an unseemly history that goes back decades. On July 24, five members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Championship team were found not guilty of sexual assault in a highly publicized …

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NHL Wraparound Celebrity Series - Bobby Valentine - July 23, 2025 29:32

2M ago29:32

29:32

After a brief break following the long NHL season, Vic and Neil open a new franchise titled "Celebrity Series." With baseball in full swing, no better place to premiere than with an MLB icon who has made a significant impact abroad as well. Bobby Valentine, former player and manager, recalls memorable moments during the course of his career both in…

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Human Side of the Story - Episode 67 - Appreciating our Viewers and Listeners 10:57

2M ago10:57

10:57

After a long season guests, news, analysis and some levity, Vic and Neil share a few stories from our viewers and listeners. Each is unique and reveals to us that we are reaching folks from diverse backgrounds. You make it worthwhile for and we say thanks heading into a brief break from our regular recording schedule. #NHLWraparound #ShortShifts #N…

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Episode 67 - New Faces/New Places with Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet 1:16:20

2M ago1:16:20

1:16:20

With the off-season fully underway, no better way to address free agency and other significant league topics than with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. Vic and Neil also chat about the Draft and wrap up the season with a special Human Side of the Story which gives a nod to some of our special listeners. IN THIS EPISODE: [02:09] - Three Things You Nee…

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Burning Topics with Free Agency Underway - July 1, 2025 35:54

2M ago35:54

35:54

The raw volume of signings on Day 1 of Free Agency 2025 was dwarfed by that of a year ago. Still, the off-season is rife with activity and intrigue. Vic and Neil go through a list of topics leaving plenty to ponder... X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038…

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Human Side of the Story - The Changing World of the NHL Draft - Ep. 66 8:25

2M ago8:25

8:25

Two benchmark events in early summer kicks off every NHL season with the Draft and the opening of free agency. With the Draft coming up first, Vic and Neil look back to the structure of the process, how players selected were communicated with, the effect of the WHA in the early 1970's and whether social media and instant communication adds addition…

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Episode 66 - Draft/Free Agency Preview with Pierre LeBrun from The Athletic 1:21:15

3M ago1:21:15

1:21:15

While the Florida Panthers players continue to celebrate their second consecutive Stanley Cup, front offices around the NHL have to major events in the crosshairs starting with the Entry Draft on June 27-28 and the start of free agency on Tuesday, July 1. One of hockey's top columnists and insiders joins Neil and Vic as we welcome Pierre LeBrun fro…

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Human Side of the Story - Ep. 65 - From Devil to Duck 10:51

3M ago10:51

10:51

As Brad Marchand skated with the Stanley Cup as a member of the Florida Panthers, a former player with some very similar characteristics to Marchand is in the role of trying to move the Anaheim Ducks from outsider to contender. Pat Verbeek enjoyed a 20-year playing career after being drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 1982. He's scored 500 goals, …

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Stanley Cupdate - REPEAT! - June 18, 2025 43:56

3M ago43:56

43:56

Only three franchises in NHL history have earned the "dynasty" title with three straight Stanley Cups titles. Next season, the Florida Panthers will have the opportunity to join the Maple Leafs, Canadiens and Islanders in that elite group after a near-perfect 5-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6. Vic and Neil give their soup-to-nuts breakdown…

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Episode 65 - New Ducks on the Pond With GM Pat Verbeek 57:50

3M ago57:50

57:50

The eye of the hockey world remain on the Panthers and Oilers as the Stanley Cup Final winds down. However, for 30 other clubs, the preparation for the 2025-26 season is well under way. One of those teams appearing to be on the rise is the Anaheim Ducks. General manager Pat Verbeek with join Neil and Vic to talk about a team with an intriguing mix …