Podcast appearances and mentions of Neil Smith

watch the video below   listen to the podcast below Have you ever wanted to mooove through time and space? Well, you’re in the right place because in this episode of the Dandy Fun House, we’re going to unbox, assemble and play and review the game… COWS IN SPACE! Let’s step into the Fun House! Hello and welcome to the Dandy Fun House. I’m your host, Neil Dandy, and this is the place for your favorite retro pop culture, toys and games and all the fun stuff. And today we’re doing toys and games. Toys and games, yeah, yeah, yeah. What do you call it? a toy with a game, a TWAG! That’s what they say in the industry, baby! But first, I want to show you our Dandy Fun house t-shirts! They are woven from 100% heifer fur, and they’re guaranteed to keep you warm on cold nights, or at least lukewarm nights. So yeah, buy one or be square. We cut four holes in them, one to crawl your body into, two to put your arms through, and one to stick your pokey little neck out of. What do you want from me? I’ll tell you what you want from me! You want some of the new designs at the Dandy Fun Shop, that’s right. Like LED ROBSTER, BODY BY DONUTS, and of course, SODIUM SUBSTITUTE LIFE! Just get over to the Dandy Fun Shop today! Okay, COWS IN SPACE! Let’s take a look at it. Groovy box, baby. I’m liking this. All right, you got a couple of kids. They don’t look too young. They look kind of like preteens with grandpa over here. Grandpa looks kind of like me. What the? What’s going on with that? I’m not sure I like that, but anyway, the front, cartoony, colorful. It’s just popping real nice. Yeah, you see the game there. It shows it, and these guys are wearing headbands with flying saucers on it, and it looks like they’re picking up cows, I assume magnetically. And the sides are all the same. They didn’t really go hog wild on that. Nothing on the bottom. Let’s check out the back. Okay, we’ve got slimer aliens here, and they’re showing the game. “Use your magnetic UFO headband to quickly pick up cows from the spinning base.” Oh, the base spins! “It’s the best game in the universe, and out of it! The out of this world head to head race to capture as many cows as possible.” Now, what is it with aliens and cows and crop circles? I don’t get it. Motorized spinning base, we already know that, ages six plus… Two players… Ten plus minutes. How many rules could there possibly be to this thing? Oh, and What Do You Meme Family? So this game, even though it doesn’t really say the manufacturer… oh, it DOES say the manufacturer! I was looking all over for it, and I just now found it, and now it’s too late for me to research the company. Usually, I like to do something about the company that makes it, and apparently the company is, it says “RELATABLE” at the bottom for the brand. Very understatable, but somehow they’re affiliated with What Do You Meme apparently, but What Do You Meme is more of an adult-oriented game, but I think there’s a family version of it as well, to the best of my knowledge. Well, okay, we’ve had a look at the box. Let’s unbox it! UNBOXING I did PRE-slit the tape on it, just so I wouldn’t have to fumble with it. And… okay, there’s not much to see from the top there. Let’s just go ahead and do a big slide out. Oh, and you can see pretty much everything! You slide it out and there’s nothing left in the box, so we’ll just go ahead and lose the box. And this is what we’ve got. We’ve got the game itself, and you got the parts of the magnetic headband. You got the UFOs here. This looks like it’s going to be real simple. This might be a short review today. A “Cows in Space” instruction booklet. How many instructions could there possibly be? We’ll look at these if we have to. I’m thinking we don’t have to. I think this thing’s pretty self-explanatory. You got a bunch of cows in these little bags here, spotted on the top, pink on the bottom. Looks like you got seven in each bag, three bags, that’s 21 cows. And then we have a barn in a bag which apparently clicks right into the middle of the game field. Now I’ll probably never get the box closed again. Thank you very much. Oh, and the headbands! That means I’m going to have to take off my cool cow hat. It does look like the headbands are adjustable. And I guess I really only need one headband. There’s a little notch here, and you just kind of put your flying saucer link in there and kind of shove it down there. And then you adjust your headband and strap it on. It’s a plastic headband. It’s not stretchy or spongy, but that’s good because if it were stretchy, it’d be made out of fabric. And then you’d have everyone’s sweat building up in the fabric, and you’d have to wash it. Since this is plastic, you can just wipe it off and you’re good. So I guess I’ve got to lose the cow hat on my head so I can play this thing. THIS ladies and gentlemen, is why I make the big bucks. Oh, that–oh, wow. That most certainly is uncomfortable. The notch where you attach your springy-springy for the UFO? That digs into your head! And it’s obviously made to curl in this way, so that side’s supposed to be on your head. I’m going to opt for turning this thing around because I don’t think they thought that through very well. I’m going to go in reverse on this headband otherwise, that protrusion is going to dig into my forehead and leave a square dent. All right, how’s this? This is why I do this show. Okay, I need a couple of batteries for this game. My understanding is that this takes two AA batteries, and of course, they put a screw over the battery compartment. Why? Why make this difficult? You could just have a little finger release on there. But fortunately, I have a Leatherman tool right here on my person. I guess the object is to collect more cows than your opponent. And there are some different rules in the rulebook of different ways to play from the little tiny bit of research I did. And these two batteries should be enough to power it for at least a little bit for me to do this review. Oh, the barn is an on-off switch! Well ok! We’re ready to put some cows in our field and see if we can abduct them with our UFO! I don’t really like the term UFO. It’s a pet peeve, and I’ve talked about it on this show before, but… UFO doesn’t really mean an alien spacecraft. It just means that it’s a flying object that hasn’t been identified. Is it time for me to rethink my life choices? Well, without further ado, I believe these cows are ready for abduction. So let’s play some COWS IN SPACE! GAME PLAY One cow abducted. (…) Two cows abducted. I guess it’s a lot harder when you’ve got another person fighting for cows against you. (…) But yeah, this is super easy. (…) Maybe a little too easy.   But it’s just so absolutely absurd, though. This is like the stuff I live for. (Cows Mooing) All right, I’m going to keep going until I’ve got all these cows. And then I’m going to let you know my final thoughts. And I’ve got all 21 cows. Look at this.(…) All right, let’s do the wrap up here. FINAL THOUGHTS ON COWS IN SPACE Okay, COWS IN SPACE. What do I like about this game? What do I not like about this game? Let’s start with what I like about the game. It’s just ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous! Who could not love this thing? I mean, if this isn’t entertainment, I don’t know what is. I love the fun graphics all over the box. I love the whole cow abduction thing. This is just a whole lot of fun. What do I not like about the game? Well, I don’t like the fact that I have to turn the headband inside out in order to use it. You naturally want to put it on with the natural curvature, but I had to put it on in reverse because the thing that you put your sproingy doingy for the UFOs would otherwise dig into the middle of my head. Also, I would have liked for it to have been a little more prominent as to who makes it. I did look on the box and it’s just so understated. I overlooked it and I would have loved to have found out more about this company. But I’ll tell you what, you want to have a good goofy time? Get yourself some COWS IN SPACE! And watch your step! SUPPORT THE DANDY FUN HOUSE! By the way, if you like what we do here and you want to help me buy more stupid games like this, maybe I’ll do COWNADO next. Maybe I’ll do a whole cow theme! Maybe every game I review this year will be cow themed. Anyway, if you like what we do and you want to help me buy more stupid games like this, I encourage you to visit the Dandy Fun House website where you can visit our patronage page and support future productions! Supporters will get exclusive access to bonus features not available to the general public and… Super Supporters will get all that. PLUS, I’ll mail you something really special from right here at the Dandy Fun House Studios. But you got to send me your mailing address if you do that. Podcast Listeners can support through the donation button in their listening app of choice if the app offers it… and your five star reviews anywhere you can leave them always get my undying gratitude. All right. I’m going to play more COWS IN SPACE and we’re going to hit the outro right here at the Dandy Fun House where everything is always FUN AND DANDY! Neil Dandy is the creator of The Dandy Fun House and the alter-ego of Neil Smith, the Big Cheese at Neil Smith Entertainment, follower of Jesus, musician, Emcee, Paratransit Driver and Author. Aren't you impressed?

Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for comprehensive discussion on unique rehire 13 years after being fired by Jim Nill, Vegas Wranglers ECHL days with midnight games for shift change workers and rowdy 1:30am fans, coaching evolution from chief cook and bottle washer in ECHL to managing massive NHL staffs, seven years in Edmonton building NHL-record 32.4% power play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Calgary years with Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk filling gap working with younger stars, exploiting Dallas weaknesses in playoffs now helping him fix them as head coach, two great power play units creating internal competition with Neil Graham running it, needing one degree more grit and physicality like Florida's blueprint, Panthers playing playoff hockey from October never changing for postseason, and Hudson Bay Saskatchewan vs La Paw Manitoba birth confusion. Plus working with legends like Tortorella, Hitchcock, Tippett, and why 82-game preparation matters for game 83.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: NHL Wraparound training camps opening week[01:00] - Summer coolers: blanket coverage throughout NHL continuing[02:00] - Dallas Stars: last three springs well positioned, something went wrong[03:00] - Glen Gulutzan: looking to change narrative spring 2026[04:00] - Probably main reason: change in Dallas, couldn't push over goal line[05:00] - Taking over 106-point team: been to Final Four three years in row[06:00] - Don't usually get that: usually rebuild, especially for guy like myself[07:00] - First time Dallas: Texas Stars AHL coach, brought up[08:00] - Made management change: second year, led to leaving Dallas[09:00] - Conversations with Jim Nill: still same guy you fired few years ago[10:00] - Walked into same room: fired in when came to interview[11:00] - Dawn on me: walking into that room, situation little different[12:00] - 13 years ago 2013: only worked with Jim[13:00] - Joe Nieuwendyk GM hired me: Joe here, when Joe let go[14:00] - Jim came in: about three weeks Jim Nill and I met before let me go[15:00] - Contract was up: month left, either gonna resign or let go[16:00] - Talked three weeks: players and team, young coach back then[17:00] - Tuesday after long weekend: hey I'm gonna let you go[18:00] - Bring in somebody else: at that time right decision[19:00] - Just young coach: needed little bit more experience[20:00] - Don't know that back then: certainly happened[21:00] - Little rapport with Jim: 13 years later see each other Dallas[22:00] - I was in Edmonton: opened his door bring me back[23:00] - Little surreal: come back my old office, few chuckles[24:00] - Reminders from previous stay: everything looked same[25:00] - Most striking: development camp on, Dennis Suart second equipment guy[26:00] - Now head guy: Jason Bradman head team ops, great relationship[27:00] - Mark Janko, Scott White: assistant GMs, rapport with them[28:00] - Scott White GM in Texas: real good rapport[29:00] - Poke head in development camp: Jordie Benn had in Texas rookie[30:00] - Verne Fiddler: alumni, had Verne here[31:00] - American League staff: Max Fortunus, Travis Morin assistants[32:00] - Had both guys Texas: Toby Petersen, had him here Dallas[33:00] - Surrounded by guys: been around, players coached, moved into coaching[34:00] - Felt very comfortable: all these people around, at some point coach[35:00] - Four head coaches: Neil, could have seen rehiring somebody let go?[36:00] - Think so: especially if hired young guy[37:00] - Problem in my time: got hired 35 GM Rangers[38:00] - Everybody hire: older than me, Roger Neilson Hall of Fame[39:00] - Got me through first few years: wouldn't...

Devils captain and Hall of Famer Scott Stevens joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for comprehensive career discussion. From greatest open ice hits in NHL history to remarkable stat of only four elbowing penalties in 22-year career, hear about three Stanley Cups with three different coaches (Jacques Lemaire revolutionary system, Larry Robinson fired Robbie Ftorek late season, Pat Burns enforcing not changing). Kitchener Rangers Memorial Cup winner number retired, Washington Capitals fifth overall 1982 scoring first goal first shot on Eddie Mio at MSG with parents there, Brian Engblom mentorship sitting down every game going over roster, free agency compensation awarded to Devils for Brendan Shanahan (Curtis Joseph and Rod Brind'Amour equalization), never wanting to leave St. Louis but Lou Lamoriello at airport with car seats, Bruce Driver captain awkwardness, learning from 1994 Rangers loss in Eastern Final (best Devils team personnel wise), 1995 sweep Detroit in lockout season feeling invincible, Eric Lindros hit 2000 Game 7, Slava Kozlov and Paul Kariya hits, leading by example hitting guys with head down in practice, 13 All-Star games 908 career points never minus player any season, and first number retired in Devils history. Plus Three Stooges fan, growing up with three brothers competitive, and Dwight Schofield tough protector.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: Hall of Fame Edition Scott Stevens[01:00] - Long history great open ice hitters: Eddie Shore to Jacob Trouba[02:00] - Perhaps greatest open ice hitter: Scott Stevens joins[03:00] - Honor: got to know each other 1996 Team Canada, did TV together[04:00] - Rangers nemesis: Devils great rivalry so many years[05:00] - Great hit given out today: guy has to fight after clean hit[06:00] - Delivered lot great hits: caught guys head down, ever have to fight?[07:00] - No don't remember: hitting big part of game[08:00] - This day: would just turn cheek if good clean hit[09:00] - Almost let them take penalty: try to swing game[10:00] - Get it wanna stand up: good clean hits shouldn't happen[11:00] - Bothers me too: find it very interesting[12:00] - Sometimes might be free passes given: when does happen big news[13:00] - People want retribution on hit: my feeling on it[14:00] - In my day: used to finish all hits[15:00] - Guy working get red line dump in: make him pay[16:00] - So few and far between: especially big ones, everyone gets up in arms[17:00] - Connor Bedard hurt rookie season: Brendan Smith clean hit[18:00] - Nick Foligno credit: automatically fought Smith, stepped up on Bedard[19:00] - Clean hit: happened in New Jersey[20:00] - Do research: even as well as think you know somebody[21:00] - Scotty Bowman on: 92 years old, sharp certainly sharper than me[22:00] - Looking at your life: never realized been with Capitals[23:00] - Kitchener Ranger: yeah for one year[24:00] - Numbers retired by Kitchener Rangers: wonderful year, great team[25:00] - Lot players went on NHL: fortunate win Memorial Cup, very special year[26:00] - Moved on some stayed back: wanted to fast track as quick as possible[27:00] - Tremendous year: still keep in touch, reunions, great group[28:00] - One strongest teams ever seen junior hockey[29:00] - Wore number three Kitchener: number three Washington[30:00] - End of number three? Number two St. Louis[31:00] - Devils couldn't get three: Kenny had that, Lou sort of gave me four[32:00] - Miles O'Connor might have four: took four, great number[33:00] - Looked good on Bobby Orr: not Bobby Orr but special number[34:00] - Fifth overall 1982: first game first goal on first shot[35:00] - Remember it: only one really remember[36:00] - Just outside blue line: parents at Madison...

Addiction medicine physician Dr. Lipi Roy joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for critical discussion on gambling crisis in professional sports. From NBA betting scandals (Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, Damon Jones arrested, Jontay Porter permanently banned) to NCAA allowing athletes bet on pro sports despite Fresno State basketball conspiracy, hear comprehensive analysis of behavioral addiction science. Dr. Roy explains dopamine triggers, why competitive Type A athletes are high-risk, how male brain doesn't fully develop until 25, prop bet dangers enabling fixes, Swedish study showing 15x suicide rate for gambling disorder, American Heart Association research linking problematic gambling to 50% arterio sclerosis rates, and profound shame leading to depression. Plus treatment options including medications (not FDA approved yet) and cognitive behavioral therapy, why NHL Player Assistance Program needs separate gambling category, 2018 Supreme Court ruling allowing $120 billion legally wagered 2023, 10-year-old kids seeing DraftKings FanDuel ads at Madison Square Garden normalizing behavior, and why regulation matters when genie can't go back in bottle. Toronto-born hockey fan since age 9 combines medical expertise with deep sport understanding.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: Pro Sports Self-Inflicted Problem with Dr. Lipi Roy Encore Episode[01:00] - October 23 NBA rocked: Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, Damon Jones arrested[02:00] - Rigged poker games: connections organized crime, insider betting schemes[03:00] - Jontay Porter: Toronto Raptors forward permanently banned from NBA[04:00] - Betting scandals over century: 1919 Black Sox throwing World Series[05:00] - Pete Rose: Cleveland Guardians Luis Ortiz, Emmanuel Clase under suspicion[06:00] - Throwing intentional balls: first pitches of innings since middle of summer[07:00] - Basketball 1951 point shaving: CCNY, NBA referee Tim Donaghy 2007[08:00] - Football several players suspended: violating NFL gambling policy recent years[09:00] - Hockey two years ago: Shane Pinto suspended 41 games[10:00] - Friends bet for him US while in Canada: claims did not wager NHL games[11:00] - Gambling and addiction: problem continues to fester in society[12:00] - Major leagues in bed with casinos: only matter of time[13:00] - Young people drawn into gambling: knowing much more than I will[14:00] - Dr. Lipi Roy: addiction medicine physician, international speaker[15:00] - National media medical commentator: MSNBC, NBC News, CNN, News Nation[16:00] - Forbes contributor: founder CDA Med health speaking company[17:00] - Host YouTube show: Health, Humor and Harmony, Health Hockey and Leadership[18:00] - Hockey and Mental Health gala: met in New York City[19:00] - Diehard hockey fan since 9 years old: born and raised Toronto like Neil[20:00] - Later years studied medicine: lucky to be physician, addiction medicine specialty[21:00] - Addiction like heart disease: can affect absolutely anybody[22:00] - Not moral feeling: sports betting form of gambling on rise[23:00] - All sports pro leads: hockey not any different, clearly health consequences[24:00] - Can be really serious problematic issue[25:00] - Gambling addiction: brain gets addicted to, not something you ingest[26:00] - Adrenaline from gambling: what happens in brain?[27:00] - Glad you brought B word: brain most complex machine known to humankind[28:00] - Explain to patients and public: how I kind of explain it[29:00] - Think of addiction: think drugs, alcohol, cocaine, heroin[30:00] - Substance use disorders: drug alcohol addictions true[31:00] - Another type category: behavioral addictions[32:00] - Gambling, gaming, pornography: work, social media, devices, food[33:00] -...

Kenny Albert, Rangers radio voice and one of sports broadcasting's most versatile talents, joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for an in-depth career discussion. From 2025 National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame induction to his autobiography "A Mic for All Seasons" now available on audiobook, hear about calling the 1994 Stanley Cup Final on NHL Radio when Rangers-Canucks matched his two favorite teams, Barry Trotz fake arrest prank in Baltimore Skipjacks days, growing up with legendary father Marv Albert, and preparation differences between 20-30 hour NFL weeks versus NHL games. Plus comprehensive Rangers analysis on inconsistency and JT Miller trade impact, Washington and Winnipeg surprising success, Detroit and Ottawa turnarounds, Islanders injury plague with three waiver pickups, Devils inconsistency despite upgrades, why all three New York teams making playoffs raises excitement, radio versus TV call differences working with Dave Maloney and Eddie Olczyk, Twin Rinks Port Washington skating instructor origin story where Neil first saw Kenny's name, and humbleness making journey to top more fun than being there. Broadcasting legend shares 40 years of career insights.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: A Man for All Seasons with Kenny Albert joining NHL Wraparound[01:00] - Great privilege: reminiscing with good friend Kenny Albert[02:00] - 2025 National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame induction: great names inducted past years[03:00] - Hall of Fame located Commack Long Island: big honor to be included[04:00] - Madison Square Garden press room: sitting with mom and dad after Rangers games[05:00] - Neil scouting for Islanders: innocent days for all of us[06:00] - NHL this season: things didn't see coming or surprised you[07:00] - Two biggest surprises: Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets[08:00] - Washington last year playoffs: tired, old, slow against Rangers[09:00] - Retooled: Pierre-Luc Dubois, Logan Thompson, key players during off-season[10:00] - Alex Ovechkin amazing season: Spencer Carbery a lot of credit[11:00] - Winnipeg: Scott Arniel great guy, assistant coach with Rangers[12:00] - Head coaching opportunity Columbus: long time assistant, takes over where he played[13:00] - East Coast doesn't pay attention: tremendous goaltending Hellebuyck, terrific players[14:00] - Flip side disappointments: Detroit, Ottawa, Buffalo on the rise[15:00] - Todd McLellan coming in: terrific record since took over[16:00] - Ottawa finally next level: challenging for playoff spot, still time left[17:00] - Montreal rough start then great stretch: right in mix as well[18:00] - Pittsburgh impressive without Crosby and Malkin: leading up to break[19:00] - Not many teams really out of it: three-point games, 25-26 games remaining[20:00] - Players get to refresh: 100 players Four Nations, others recharge[21:00] - Doing color with Kenny at Joe Louis Arena: Detroit on Versus/OLN[22:00] - Over-preparer: tend to do even more than probably need[23:00] - Learning tricks of trade: what to do and what not to do through years[24:00] - Keep all game sheets: file cabinet to my left, could pull it out[25:00] - 1994 Stanley Cup Final: NHL Radio, looked through sheets recently[26:00] - Grew up Vancouver Canucks fan but also Rangers fan[27:00] - Working Washington doing Capitals home games cable 1992-95[28:00] - Also WTOP radio station: Rangers-Devils conference final happening[29:00] - Howie Rose and Mike Keenan: 1993 Final NHL Radio, Los Angeles-Montreal[30:00] - 1994: Howie supposed to do NHL Radio final, unavailable if Rangers got there[31:00] - Got call day of Game 3 Rangers-Devils series: would you be interested?[32:00] - 26 years old: of course I'd be interested, Rangers and Canucks my two teams[33:00] -

Columbus Blue Jackets Senior Advisor John Davidson joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren to discuss the young core emerging (Adam Fantilli, Marchenko, Mateychuk, Kent Johnson all popping at same time), Johnny Gaudreau's tragic legacy galvanizing team identity, Sean Monahan's underrated leadership, and why Columbus is positioned for genuine optimism despite missing playoffs. Hear JD's heartfelt tribute to Sam Rosen's 40-year Rangers career and charity work raising tens of millions, the white-knuckle 1994 police car ride to Canyon of Heroes with million people and zero arrests, Rangers implosion analysis with best players falling backward simultaneously, Mike Sullivan's unrelenting coaching impact, Will Cuylle smart business from Lias Andersson trade, Alexei Kovalev Mike Keenan shift story, Rangers not built for playoffs playing east-west, and comprehensive playoff predictions. Plus Doug Armstrong planting trees quote, Gabriel Landeskog's remarkable Masterton Trophy comeback from cartilage transplant, Connor Hellebuyck inexplicable struggles, goaltending lineage from Giacomin through Shesterkin, Lundqvist's first practice impact, and why NHL playoffs are completely unpredictable making them fantastic theater.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: From Blue to Blueshirt to Blue Jacket with John Davidson[01:00] - Three Things: UBS Financial Services, playoff updates[02:00] - JD back on NHL Wraparound: 1994 special with Glen Healy cathartic[03:00] - Jogging memory: very special time, makes your day[04:00] - Paul Maurice: trade deadline podcast, called away for Toffoli trade mid-show[05:00] - Happy for Paul: looked out of gas Winnipeg, revived in Florida[06:00] - Life expectancy with coach in certain city: runs out, doesn't mean bad coach[07:00] - St. Louis Blues: JD president years ago, Doug Armstrong hire by Larry Pleau[08:00] - Doug's edge: nice man, understands business, no fear making decisions[09:00] - 2019 Cup: 10 of 20 players JD brought in when with Blues[10:00] - Doug quote: "Somebody plants trees, somebody else enjoys shade"[11:00] - Draft and develop takes time: 2-3-4 years battle, everybody loses minds[12:00] - Columbus same thing: team coming, gonna be good, well coached[13:00] - Young players JD drafted: Marchenko, Fantilli, Mateychuk, Kent Johnson[14:00] - All popping primarily at same time: self-satisfaction seeing them succeed[15:00] - Montreal nosing out Columbus: frustrating not getting there[16:00] - Week or two prior: weren't scoring, weren't very good[17:00] - Analyzing after disappointment: Columbus in good position, good shape[18:00] - Scoring talent: two or three areas need shoring up, Don Waddell working[19:00] - Genuine room for optimism: Fabbro picked up waivers, fit with Werenski[20:00] - Werenski best season: top three defenseman in game for sure[21:00] - Sean Monahan: tutored Fantilli, underrated very good hockey player[22:00] - Jeff Gorton: when Monahan healthy, we were much better hockey club[23:00] - Missing Monahan with wrist: when in, leadership with young players[24:00] - Boone Jenner leadership group: fought through tragedy and adversity[25:00] - Washington series: skill versus grit and grime, would've given very good battle[26:00] - Not a chance they would've intimidated us: toughness when needed[27:00] - 2024-25 behind, Johnny Gaudreau tragedy: spinning forward to next year[28:00] - Not taking anybody by surprise: how work this forward into mindset?[29:00] - Young players know they're pretty good NHL players now[30:00] - Understand how much stronger they have to get: summer to work on it[31:00] - Instead of shocking feeling after Gaudreau tragedy: team galvanized[32:00] - Johnny's wife spends time in Columbus: team rallies around her, very...

Rangers broadcasting legend Sam Rosen joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for an emotional interview during his 40th and final season as Voice of the New York Rangers. From the iconic "No More Curses, this one will last a lifetime" Game 7 call in 1994 to surviving ownership changes at Madison Square Garden, the beer incident with Alan Cohen, wine collection from NHL coaches, league-wide sendoff overwhelming him, and Kenny Albert's natural succession. Hear about the 1980 OIHL with Neil, working with Phil Esposito and John Davidson, advice for aspiring broadcasters to express love of the game, Bruce Connal hiring him at ESPN, Rick Tocchet gambling story in Phoenix, why 1994 remains the greatest moment any broadcaster could have calling Game 7 at home arena, and the emotional reality of his final game Thursday against Tampa Bay. Born Samuel Rosenblum in Ulm, Germany, this is the story of 40 years at the World's Most Famous Arena.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: His Calls Will Last a Lifetime - Sam Rosen final season celebration[01:00] - Broadcast legend brings down curtain Thursday: Rangers host Tampa at MSG[02:00] - Engaging energetic gentleman off camera exactly same as on air[03:00] - Three Things: Columbus Blue Jackets vs Montreal Canadians for final Eastern spot[04:00] - Jet Greaves incredible run: 120 of 123 saves last four games, two shutouts[05:00] - Adam Fantilli 30th goal: could be best player from that draft[06:00] - Blue Jackets tragedy: Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Gaudreau, Sean Monahan joining[07:00] - Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues capture wild card spots[08:00] - Calgary Flames eliminated but Adam Huska deserves credit for job done[09:00] - Ducks and Flames: reason for optimism in seasons coming ahead[10:00] - Toronto Maple Leafs take Atlantic: Mitch Marner 100 points, Austin Matthews 400th[11:00] - Craig Berube blueprint exactly what playoffs require[12:00] - Seven of eight matchups set: Washington waiting for Columbus or Montreal[13:00] - Sam Rosen interview begins: old friend from around 1980[14:00] - OIHL: first rotisserie hockey league, fantasy before anybody else[15:00] - 35 years old at Garden: always on edge, how long can this last?[16:00] - 1984-85 first full-time Rangers TV season, backup years before that[17:00] - 40-year run at Madison Square Garden: phenomenal under MSG umbrella[18:00] - Different owners: Paramount, ITT, salary freezes, four ownership groups in 11 years[19:00] - Never thought of it that way: loved what I was doing so much[20:00] - ESPN September 1979: first college football games, Hartford Whalers, Washington Capitals[21:00] - Train rides to DC: scouting and aspiring broadcaster traveling together[22:00] - 1977 February: Jim Gordon sick, recommended Sam for Knicks-Nets radio[23:00] - 1982 Joe Cohen: first contract, three-year deals throughout career[24:00] - Most nervous moment: fan dumped beer on Tom Watt's head, Sam said stop selling beer[25:00] - Next day: Alan Cohen's office, "Sam, we make a lot of money selling beer"[26:00] - "Please be careful what you say" - thanked him, left timidly, still had job[27:00] - Next season: stopped selling beer in third period after second intermission[28:00] - Wine collection: John Cooper Tampa Bay, Plum Jack Cabernet and Merlot[29:00] - Bottles from LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers[30:00] - Thursday night: bringing Plum Jack to booth, Cooper might watch from booth[31:00] - League-wide sendoff: overwhelming, heartwarming, tears come to eyes[32:00] - Professional associates, friendships in every city: former players, executives, GMs[33:00] - Salt Lake City: brand new to NHL, fans amazing, lined up for selfies[34:00] - Phoenix game with Neil: Rick Tocchet

God desires to do great things in and through us, and it starts with us creating room for Him to move. That begins to set the space for Him to do what only He can do – beyond all we can think or imagine.

Wayne Gretzky joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for the very first NHL Wraparound episode. The Great One discusses Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers' remarkable 22-3 turnaround in their last 25 games, Connor Bedard adapting after Brendan Smith's legal jaw-breaking hit, generational players from Bobby Orr through Sidney Crosby to Austin Matthews potentially reaching 800 goals, and Alex Ovechkin's chase of 894. Hear about playing at 147 pounds in Indianapolis, learning from Bobby Clarke to play behind the net because Phil Esposito could stand in the box, why today's players are better than the 80s, Gordie Howe's class when records get broken, Edmonton's four-line success with Paul Coffey coaching defense and Mattias Ekholm's impact, Kenny Holland's patience at 2-9 not trading for a goalie, and transitioning to TNT with Liam McHugh, Anson Carter, Henrik Lundqvist and Paul Bissonnette who studies more than people realize. Plus the only wraparound goal Gretz remembers, steak vs salmon game day meals, playing against Mark Messier in Edmonton, and teaching Coyotes kids to be pros on a $25M payroll.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: First NHL Wraparound guest ever, Wayne Gretzky, The Great One[01:00] - Only wraparound goal Gretz remembers: Vancouver 1997 hat trick third goal[02:00] - Darren Blake traveling secretary: ordered salmon in Vancouver, Gretz wanted steak[03:00] - Steak and potato game day meal entire career, never eaten salmon on game day[04:00] - That night scored three goals, last one wraparound against Cloutier[05:00] - Today's kids: Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, practice tricks, get excited[06:00] - Gretz not comfortable with skills competition: nothing to gain, everything to lose[07:00] - Connor Bedard jaw injury: Brendan Smith legal hit coming through middle[08:00] - Smith answering the bell: showed teammates toughness, respect for game[09:00] - First day Indianapolis training camp: 147 pounds, Blaine Stoughton "this is our savior"[10:00] - Playing against bigger competition entire career: 6 vs 10-year-olds, 11 vs 12-year-olds[11:00] - 14 playing against 20-year-olds, 16 playing against 20-year-olds, never big[12:00] - Learned to protect myself through years of bigger competition[13:00] - Age 14 junior B coach Dean Pappas: Phil Esposito greatest center[14:00] - Esposito 500 shots one year, middle of box on power play, nobody could move him[15:00] - Coach: go home watch Bobby Clarke, played out of corners more than behind net[16:00] - Started playing behind net and corners because of size, copying Bobby Clarke[17:00] - Couldn't stand in middle of box: would've been on rear end, guys knocked you over[18:00] - Generational player definition: combination of skill, talent, consistency, championships[19:00] - Gordie Howe retired, Bobby Orr retired, Guy Lafleur retired, Mike Bossy retired[20:00] - Along came Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, Steve Yzerman, game survived[21:00] - Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin: consistent every year, Crosby 37 having best year[22:00] - Both won championships, great for NHL, wonderful in communities[23:00] - Helping people less fortunate, helping kids who want to play hockey[24:00] - Not just on-ice, combination of ice, Stanley Cup, fitting into community[25:00] - Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, Mitch Marner, Austin Matthews, Connor McDavid next[26:00] - Great players, great for league, great in communities[27:00] - Never say we were better in 80s: these kids better than we were 40 years ago[28:00] - Progression: 20 years from now kids will be better than today, how NHL grows[29:00] - Impressed how kids handle themselves, play hard every night, show up competitive[30:00] - Winning Stanley Cup big part: MacKinnon and Makar won, Sidney won, Ovechkin

Send us a textOn today's episode we're joined by someone who's making a real impact in the mental health space. Neil Smith is the co-founder of Mettle alongside Bear Grylls, an innovative mental wellbeing app designed to help men build confidence, resilience and emotional strength through practical, science-backed tools.The focus of Mettle is on everyday mental fitness - not waiting until crisis hits, but empowering users to understand their emotions, develop healthier coping strategies and give them permission to take control of their mind in a simple, accessible way.We talk to Neil about his stellar TV career, the inspiration behind the app, why so many people,  especially men, struggle to access the right kind of support, and how Mettle is helping change the conversation around male mental health.https://bemettle.com/https://www.instagram.com/be.mettle/The Midlife Mentors Ibiza Retreat: https://themidlifementors.com/retreats/ Support the showPlease remember, if you find the show helpful or it makes you laugh, motivates and inspires you - please do like, share and rate us. We don't run ads on the podcast or for the show, because we want to keep it as enjoyable for you to listen as possible. So if you can help us spread the word, we'd be incredibly grateful.For more information about The Midlife Mentors, click the below link:https://linktr.ee/themidlifementors.comTik Tok: @themidlifementorsIG: @midlifementors

The Athletic's investigative reporter Katie Strang joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for an unflinching discussion of hockey's unseemly side. Six weeks before training camps open, the July 24, 2024 London Ontario trial concluded with five former NHL players found not guilty of sexual assault. Katie explains the circus-like proceedings, two discharged juries, inadmissible evidence, and split public opinion. From her personal connection to the Larry Nassar case to scrutinizing junior hockey's billeting system, Gary Bettman's eligibility decisions without codified policies, NHLPA labor battles, and the media's responsibility covering systemic abuse. Plus insights on CTE, concussions, Kevin Lowe's brain injury, and why loving hockey means holding it to higher standards.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome: Pulling Back the Curtain - hockey's unseemly side July 24, 2024 London trial[01:00] - Katie Strang: investigative writer with The Athletic, top of class with Rick Westhead[02:00] - Rick Westhead: dogged journalist exposing underbelly of sports, dear friend[03:00] - Investigative journalism not initial career plan: Athletic empowered pursuit[04:00] - Larry Nassar case: purpose-driven work, indelibly imprinting personally and professionally[05:00] - Personal connection: competitive gymnast, coach went to jail for sexual abuse[06:00] - Michigan State: knew victims, attended court every day, heavy difficult assignment[07:00] - Processing toll: supportive husband gives grace, kids' joy providing perspective[08:00] - Wanting world safer for kids: every story like potentially my children in crosshairs[09:00] - July 24, 2024: five players found not guilty by Justice Maria Caria[10:00] - Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart acquitted[11:00] - Witness "EM" found not reliable or credible after 2018 World Junior incident[12:00] - Circus from start: most generous interpretation of how trial went[13:00] - Two juries discharged: deeply problematic, offensive, upsetting[14:00] - Juror misconduct allegations against defense counsel not tested with rigor[15:00] - Both juries dismissed: treated jurors disrespectfully after entrusting them[16:00] - Escalated concerns kind of dismissed when warned to report any issues[17:00] - First mistrial set tone: bizarro developments almost every day[18:00] - One hour timeframe: someone arrested for recording with smart glasses[19:00] - Public observer explodes on reporter, banned from premises same hour[20:00] - Delays with tech, AC, clocks: weird mundane things derailing justice[21:00] - Strange experience: lives at stake but technical issues constant[22:00] - Bench trial after juries discharged: public opinion very split on verdict[23:00] - Acquitted of criminal wrongdoing: crown didn't meet burden beyond reasonable doubt[24:00] - Moral component: what happened in hotel room, power dynamics at play[25:00] - Inadmissible evidence: people not constrained by court parameters considering[26:00] - Neil: disgusting even for former pro/junior/college player, cringe-inducing[27:00] - Words Katie had to write, actions taken by young lady, things done by players[28:00] - Players knew better than going to hotel room: stained for life[29:00] - Victim "EM" initials only: five names public, what happens from here?[30:00] - Pre-verdict speculation: would any play again? Not surprised by acquittals[31:00] - Evidence ruled admissible/inadmissible: judge ruled for defense on every matter[32:00] - Katie not interested in "will they play again" conversation in her work[33:00] - Missing important step: NHL and Gary Bettman weighing in on eligibility[34:00] - Bettman immediately after decision: players not eligible, incredibly wide...

Baseball Hall of Fame-caliber manager Bobby Valentine joins Neil Smith and Vic Morren for the premiere NHL Wraparound Celebrity Series episode. The former manager of the Texas Rangers (7 years), New York Mets (NL pennant), Boston Red Sox, and two-time champion in Japan shares a lifetime of stories. From playing for 17-year-old Lou Lamoriello in Cape Cod to the iconic 1999 mustache disguise, managing Mike Piazza's emotional 9/11 home run that healed New York, pioneering American success in Japanese baseball, teaching ballroom dancing exhibitions, and calling Shohei Ohtani the greatest athlete in a baseball uniform. Plus the 40-15 prediction he nailed exactly, George W. Bush partnership, Tommy Lasorda's influence, Sacred Heart University athletic director tenure, and philanthropic work with Special Olympics. This is Bobby Valentine uncensored.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome to NHL Wraparound Celebrity Series premiere with baseball legend Bobby Valentine[01:00] - Fifth franchise: stepping outside hockey to learn from sports icons across disciplines[02:00] - Bobby joins from Valentine Sports Academy in Stamford, Connecticut on exercise bike[03:00] - 1994 Stanley Cup photo at Shea Stadium: Rangers or Devils cup with Doug Romano[04:00] - Age 17: playing for Lou Lamoriello in Cape Cod League 1967[05:00] - Lou's baseball background: Providence College coach, Pan-Am League player at 23-24[06:00] - First-generation Italian parents: couldn't spell Cape Cod, Bobby spent summer in Yarmouth[07:00] - Lou's discipline from day one: couldn't ride in trunk of car to road games[08:00] - Baseball vs hockey management: everyday grind, respect of opposition and teammates[09:00] - Accountability on ice same as diamond: only difference hockey players drink more (Canadian thing)[10:00] - Texas Rangers: seven years as manager with George W. Bush as GM/owner[11:00] - Bush made change 1992: "good idea, I was there long enough, time to move on"[12:00] - Japanese GM's mission: finding first non-Japanese manager for professional league[13:00] - Going to Japan: "right-eyed and bushy-tailed gonna teach everyone everything"[14:00] - Learning while teaching: rewarding experience understanding Japanese baseball culture[15:00] - Spectacular Japanese players: Ogasawara and others, closed society not up for change[16:00] - Hideo Nomo: first real MLB player, threw no-hitter when Bobby won championship[17:00] - Cross-section working: 1934 Babe Ruth/Lou Gehrig exhibition to modern day[18:00] - Cooperstown Hall of Fame: Ichiro Suzuki induction, US-Japan baseball exhibit[19:00] - Shohei Ohtani: best athlete in baseball uniform ever seen, either side of Pacific Ocean[20:00] - 2006 draft: wanted two-way player, first baseman/pitcher threw 95 mph, drank beer instead[21:00] - What Ohtani's doing is really tough: unprecedented two-way excellence[22:00] - Chiba Lotte Marines: attendance doubled, hosting ballroom dancing classes[23:00] - International ballroom dance champion: teaching chacha to community before games[24:00] - Exhibition in tuxedo with partner: full ballroom dress on field before national anthem[25:00] - Changed costumes during anthem, came out to manage game immediately after[26:00] - 2005 return to Japan: bringing American fan-friendly atmosphere post-1995 MLB strike[27:00] - Kids running bases, autograph sessions: opening up Japanese baseball culture[28:00] - June 1999 Mets: eight-game losing streak, GM fired three coaches instead of addressing players[29:00] - Predicted 40-15 in next 55 games or would quit: media ready to hold feet to fire[30:00] - Catcher's balk: Mike Piazza stepped outside box before Pat Mahomes (Patrick's father) released[31:00] - Randy Marsh call: read about it for years, never seen it

he final episode of our 1994 Rangers series celebrates three decades of memories and impact. Hear from team members like John Davidson calling it "a roadmap for life," Glenn Healy on family sacrifice for getting a last name on the Cup, and Steve Larmer on incredible teammates. Barry Meisel shares his Daily News coverage balancing fan and reporter, while fans reveal how the championship changed their lives - from holding up 1-year-olds to fighting cancer to selling season tickets. This is how 1994 became forever, touching everyone from MSG employees to dentists to fans who waited 54 years. Neil Smith reflects on the greatest gift: bringing joy to millions of New Yorkers.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome to Episode 5: Reflection - how 1994 impacted lives 30 years later[01:00] - Once Rangers get in DNA, becomes lifestyle and emotional part of being[02:00] - Neil Smith and Barry Meisel join Vic for final episode[03:00] - Neil growing up 1960s Toronto: could never have imagined being part of this[04:00] - Barry's first memories: blue seats, crying after '72 and '74 Finals[05:00] - Vic walking out seeing Oakland Seals 1968: hooked immediately[06:00] - John Davidson: bigger than just hockey, loyalty of generation after generation[07:00] - JD's family: daughters hugging Cup, scrapbook photos, roadmap for life[08:00] - Barbara Danfarcey: executive assistant to Neil, front row seat to roller coaster[09:00] - Lynn Markey: MSG employee, what it did for fans who stuck through frustration[10:00] - Don Solomon: team dentist 39 years, cohesiveness and inclusivity making everyone feel one unit[11:00] - Matt Lare: director of team operations, 30 years blink of eye, memories last forever[12:00] - Mike Hartman: Neil taking time when he was 15, winning Cup with idol Mark Messier[13:00] - Amy Kay: VP Human Resources, one of few women executives treated like counterparts[14:00] - Neil on all-inclusive culture: motivating everyone at MSG to be part of wins and losses[15:00] - Every single person important: without Mike Hartman might not have won Cup[17:00] - Barry Meisel: Daily News writer, kid wanting Rangers to win vs reporter staying objective[18:00] - Dad in sixties never seeing Cup, 18 million New Yorkers feeling same intensity[19:00] - Biggest challenge: getting story right, objectivity from training not from heart[20:00] - Neil respecting media doing their job: as long as story correct, had to be told[21:00] - Don't lie philosophy: credibility more important than bad story or opinion[22:00] - Embracing New York City chaos: honking horns, running between cars, Post's flamboyance[23:00] - Best of times standing in hallway talking to writers: really loved it[24:00] - Frank Brown: 71 years old, only Cup in lifetime, Gary Bettman presenting at 72[25:00] - Joe Whelan: MSG producer, best team ever covered, Cable Ace award[26:00] - Kenny Albert: first Stanley Cup Final call, met wife Barbara after Game 5[27:00] - Steve Levy: ESPN rights holder, in dressing room missing ice celebration[28:00] - Adam Graves: "I realize how important this win was for you" - greatest moment thinking of reporter[29:00] - Levy drinking from Cup 2 AM, unprofessional but worth it[30:00] - Howie Rose: fell in love 1966, practicing play-by-play with tape recorder[31:00] - Dentist drilling: closes eyes thinking final seconds Game 7, drinking from Cup[32:00] - Mark Halbert: WFAN broadcaster, going between NBA Finals and Rangers[33:00] - 54 years thinking most people wouldn't see during lifetime, extraordinary[34:00] - Neil on relationships: best friends when arguing over who pays for pizza[35:00] - Barry on balancing pressure/excitement/nervousness: New York all in it together[36:00] - Vic keeping dad...

watch the video below: listen to the podcast below: It's time to close out yet another year of the Dandy Fun House. While all those “other shows” are slacking off and giving you retrospectives of everything they've already done in the past year, it is instead our tradition here at the Dandy Fun House to leave the past exactly there… in the past and instead look ahead to the brand spankin' new year coming at us like Frehley's Comet and take a glimpse at the coolest stuff we've been able to find that's waiting for us in 2026! We're going to look at theme parks, movies, pinball and of course the TOTY AWARD NOMINATION picks for the upcoming 2026 Toy of the Year Awards! Are you ready to get your kicks in 26? Then LET'S step into the FUN HOUSE! Hello and welcome to the Dandy Fun House 2025 year-end extravaganza where we wear the hats and blow our hooters about the very best in retro pop culture, toys and games and all the fun stuff! I’m your host Neil Dandy and in this episode we're going to look ahead at WHAT’S HOT ON THE HORIZON FOR 2026 in the worlds of theme parks, movies, pinball and my personal picks for the 2026 TOTY AWARDS (Toy of the Year). BUT FIRST! I have to show you these amazing DANDY FUN HOUSE T-Shirts before time runs out! Perfect for swaddling the baby new year, They have a front and a back so you don’t get cold and we even cut 4 holes in them! One to crawl your body into, one to stick your head out of and two to poke your arms through! Find them in the Dandy Fun Shop at the Dandy Fun House website at dandyfunhouse.com before the Dandy Ball Drops! Alrighty, hold on tighty and let’s get right into what's hot on the horizon for 2026 starting with… THEME PARKS! And up first is going to be UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, HOLLYWOOD (which isn't actually in Hollywood, it's in Studio City kind of like the LA Angels baseball team is actually in Anaheim and how they call the Embassy Suites here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee “Nashville South” which we absolutely are not. But anyway that's a rabbit hole rant for another day.) Anyway, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS in the greater Los Angeles, California area is breaking ground on a new roller coaster where each individual car experiences its very own 360 degrees of rotation. The coaster is called FAST AND FURIOUS HOLLYWOOD DRIFT themed after the Fast and Furious movies obviously. This one is expected to peel out in 2026! And Legoland California is busy building the Lego Galaxy space-themed land including an indoor roller coaster. Over at Kings Island in Ohio they're opening what they are calling a new “dark ride” in 2026 called “PHANTOM THEATER: Opening Nightmare.” It's in the location that has most recently held an attraction called Boo Blasters but is apparently the site of a previous attraction also called PHANTOM THEATER and this is apparently the return of that attraction with some various upgrades. I went to the Kings Island website to get more information and there's just a teaser video showing two girls walking into Boo Blasters and ending up in the Phantom Theater which appears to be a very loose sendup on the Phantom of the Opera. The cartoon phantom character they show in the teaser graphic is obviously based on the classic Lon Chaney silent film character, and visitors ride inside cars that resemble opera boxes. So… yeah. Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (my neck of the woods kinda sorta) will be undertaking a $50 million expansion and also opening the world's first ever hybrid indoor family coaster and whitewater river raft ride called the “Night Flight Expedition.” Then under at Sea World, Orlando Florida they're diving into a new dark ride called SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep. If you don't know what a dark ride is, it basically means it's indoors and you get moved from scene to scene. It doesn't necessarily mean it's actually dark. Anyway, this new dark ride at Sea World Orlando will be what they are calling a suspended dark ride. The only information about this ride currently is that the rider will “discover dazzling ecosystems, legendary sea life, and breathtaking stories of resilience and wonder.” NEW MOBILITY DEVICE POLICY AT SEA WORLD! And speaking of Sea World, they have a controversial new policy which has been making the news lately that has just rolled out regarding mobility devices for the disabled. It appears that rollator walkers with seats are no longer permitted. The official updated policy from the Sea World website is as follows: “For the safety of our guests and employees, rollator walkers with seats on them are not permitted at SeaWorld Orlando. Alternative personal transportation options, including standard wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), are available. Walkers without a seat are permitted.” I'm guessing that more than a few guests were using their rollators like wheelchairs and it was causing some sort of safety concern in the parks. As someone who transports disabled people as my profession and handles mobility devices all day long, I can tell you from personal experience that a wheelchair itself is something you need to exercise caution with while pushing someone around. A rollator walker would be very, very easy to tip over if someone were attempting to use it as a wheelchair. So while I am disappointed at the inconvenience some disabled guests are going to face with this new policy, I want to be very careful not to demonize Sea World too quickly on this new policy. Guests can still borrow suitable mobility devices from guest services. Ok, time to work our flippers over to the world of PINBALL! Here are the rumored pinball releases expected in 2026 that caught my eye during the research for this episode. Please keep in mind these are only rumors… AMERICAN PINBALL is rumored to be releasing a CUPHEAD pinball machine in 2026 based on the wildly popular video game featuring some amazing vintage animation styles. I'll admit I'm not familiar with the character or the video game but I do love this vintage cartoon style! SPOOKY PINBALL is said to be working on a MOTORHEAD pinball machine for 2026. NO offense to guitarist Wurzel or drummer Mickey Dee (now playing with the Scorpions) who were crucial to keeping the band going in its later years, but I'm really hoping it honors the original lineup of Lemmy, Philthy Phil and Fast Eddie! BARRELS OF FUN PINBALL appears to be cooking up some GOONIES pinball for the new year! RAMPS PINBALL will be coming out with LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS! Oh please let the carnivorous plant eat the ball! And last but not least in our pinball 2026 rumours we have PINBALL ADVENTURES bringing us SUSHI MADNESS! Ni Ohashi Kudasai ! And if you're REALLY a pinball nut as we know you are, you'll want to put March 20th through the 22nd on your calendar because that's when Frisco, Texas braces itself for the annual TEXAS PINBALL FESTIVAL! Over 440 games. One incredible weekend! The website says tickets go on sale October 4th 2026. I have to imagine that's a typo and they really mean 2025 otherwise only those with the ability for reverse time travel will be able to attend. There will be tournaments and challenges, special guests and panels, exhibitors, parts, memorabilia, new games and there will be a special tech day for those trying to upgrade and/or fix their own machines. That's the TEXAS PINBALL FESTIVAL 2026! Rope you a ticket today! Yeehaw! Alright, I think we're ready to “steer” away from pinball and “drive” this herd into… MOVIES! First I'll start with letting you know a few of my favorite movies of 2025 before we get into what's ahead for 2026: JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH: Ok, it was pretty much par for the course but it had Scarlett Johansson carrying the entire movie on her shoulders alone and she pulled it off amazingly! MICKEY 17: This is a movie about a guy who signs on to do very dangerous grunt work in space for a corporation and every time he gets killed, the company just prints out a new copy of him with all his same memories. The crux is that the new copy never knows if he's actually the person being reborn every time or if he really dies and the new copy just has his memories and merely thinks he's the same person. Weird stuff. THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS – After many fantastic fails at trying to make this work on the big screen, they finally got the Fantastic Four right! The retro future vibe was spot on and all the actors were perfect! SUPERMAN: I was really upset about losing Henry Cavill as Superman, but James Gunn came back with a fresh new fun feel on this one starring David Corenswet, even bringing in Supe's dog Krypto! This movie was just a great time! More please! THE SMASHING MACHINE: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a dramatic role co-starring Emily Blunt. It's the story of Mixed Martial arts and UFC Champion Mark Kerr and how he conquered his biggest opponent: addiction. And finally in my roundup of my favorite movies of 2025 I bring you… BUGONIA! This movie was a crazy trip with some really wild twists and many moments of pure cringe and I loved it! Starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons who seems to be showing up in everything lately! It's a story about two conspiracy nuts who kidnap a corporate CEO thinking she's a space alien trying to destroy the Earth. This was easily my biggest delightful surprise of 2025. But before we get to 2026, I'd like to give a special nod to TRON: ARES because I always expect anything starring Jared Leto to suck eggs and this did not! And SPINAL TAP II: The End Continues… Rest in peace Marty DiBergi. MOVIES I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2026! THE ODYSSEY Expected Jul 17, 2026: After the Trojan War, Odysseus faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Circe along the way. starring Matt Damon, Mia Goth, and Anne Hathaway. This could be really good or it could be really stupid. I'm betting this is going to be good and double or nothing that Mia Goth will be a siren or maybe Medusa. I think she'd make a good Medusa! EVIL DEAD BURN Expected Jul 24, 2026 – I'm a sucker for the Evil Dead movies. This one is not likely to have any Bruce Campbell, but they're keeping the details under tight wraps for now so who knows? COYOTE VS. ACME Expected Aug 28, 2026 PG A story set in the ACME warehouse, the manufacturer of anything and everything used by the Looney Tunes characters. And apparently John Cena is voicing one of the characters! Oh please oh please oh please get this right! If 2025's “The Day The Earth Blew Up” starring Daffy Duck and Porky Pig is any indication, I think we can have high hopes here! Ooh, that’s another one of my favorites from 2025 I left off the list! INSPECTOR GADGET – No details are available but I think we're long overdue for some Go Go Gadget action! DUNE Part Three Expected Dec 18, 2026 It follows Muad’dib, heir to unimaginable power, as he brings to fruition the ancient scheme to create a superbeing ruler among men, not in the heavens. And according to imdb it’s starring Starring Rebecca Ferguson, Timothée Chalamet and Anya Taylor-Joy. Did you pick up what I just picked up? Zendaya is not listed as a cast member on IMDB! How can this IMD Be!? You tell me! PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN (untitled) – That's all we know folks. Hopefully they got things squared away with Johnny Depp. That is if they want to sell tickets. I AM LEGEND 2 – Military scientist Robert Neville seems the sole survivor in virus-ravaged New York. He’s waging a fight against “Darkseekers”, mutants resembling vampires trying to capture him as he searches for a cure. Starring Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan Alright! I could go for a sequel to I AM LEGEND! Especially when you add Michael B into the mix! I'd really like a sequel to iRobot but this'll do me for now! BLADE – That's right they are teasing a new Blade movie for 2026 with Mia Goth listed in the cast but of course the burning question is DO THEY HAVE WESLEY SNIPES??? They gave him a cameo as Blade in the Deadpool vs. Wolverine movie last year. But Snipes is NOT listed in the cast on IMDB as of yet! There is also an Untitled Denzel Washington Project Based on the historical figure of Hannibal, considered one of the greatest military commanders of all time. The film covers the crucial battles he led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War. You had me at Denzel, not to mention I love historical action movies. Bring it on! THE BRIDE Expected Mar 6, 2026 In 1930s Chicago, Dr. Frankenstein asks Dr. Euphronius to help create a companion. They give life to a murdered woman as the Bride, sparking romance, police interest, and radical social change. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Christian Bale THIS IS THE ONE I'M WAITING FOR! Love Christian Bale and love the concept of setting the story of The Bride of Frankenstein in 1930's Chicago! Let's go! SCANDALOUS! This will be the story behind the Hollywood romance of Sammy Davis Jr. and actress Kim Novak. I love anything related to Sammy Davis Jr. “It's gonna be fantastic baby!” CLAYFACE – Expected Sep 11, 2026 A shape-shifting creature made of magical clay haunts Gotham City, alternating between villain and ally of Batman. Ok, it's a Batman villain and not a super obvious one! Looks interesting! EVEL KNIEVEL ON TOUR – This one is going to be about Legendary motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel and apparently the drama that surrounded the run-up to his 1974 attempt at jumping the Snake River Canyon in Idaho.Starring Leonardo DiCaprio Ok, first of all, Evel was planning to jump the Grand Canyon but couldn't get the ok from the US Government so he made a deal with an Indian tribe to jump the Snake River Canyon seeing how it was located on sovereign tribal land. Anyway, a new movie about Evel Knievel? Heck yeah! THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING – Expected Nov 20, 2026 This new installment of the Hunger Games will explore Panem 24 years before Katniss’ saga, starting on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, where a young Haymitch Abernathy participates. Ok, this could be alright. I'm not super excited about it but I could be swayed since it won't have Jennifer Lawrence in it. And that's it for THE MOVIES I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2026! Now for TOYS! What I like to do this time of year is see what toys from 2025 have been nominated in various categories for a coveted TOY OF THE YEAR award otherwise known as a TOTY and let you know my personal picks, not that anyone in the industry is giving me a vote. Maybe someday. BUT TODAY I bring you MY PERSONAL 2026 TOTY AWARD NOMINEE PICKS! ACTION FIGURE OF THE YEAR: I like Avatar Interactive Shoulder Banshee by Disney Consumer Products – This thing looks pretty cool. It's basically a small, colorful looking dragon that sits on your shoulder and attaches via a magnetic base you wear under your clothing. A handheld controller allows you to control head and wing movements as well as its voice. This thing is pretty darn awesome! In the COLLECTIBLES category: There are two different nominees that caught my eye. One is Sticki Rolls Series 2 by Sky Castle Toys which is basically charm bracelets marketed to girls with rolls of small stickers on them with different fun graphics. The other nominee I like is Wigglitz by ZB Designs. These are tiny toy figurines of almost every type of fun character you can imagine that have some sort of wiggly aspect to them, or better put: something that moves when you wiggle them. If I had to choose between these two, I'd probably go with Wigglitz because it's something you'll get continual enjoyment from whereas the Sticki Rolls are only fun until you run out of stickers. CONSTRUCTION PLAYSET OF THE YEAR: I have to give it to GeckoBot 2.0 by Thames & Kosmos, This is a kit where you build your very own robotic gecko that actually climbs up your windows. Thames & Kosmos just keeps knocking it out of the park! CREATIVE TOY OF THE YEAR: Crayola Marker Airbrush has got my vote (that is if I HAD A VOTE which I don't!). If you've ever dreamed of someday making awful-looking t-shirts and hats on the boardwalk, then THIS could be your starter kit! It's an actual working airbrush sprayer courtesy of everyone's favorite crayon company, Crayola! It even comes with various spray color cartridges so you start saying it by spraying it! DOLL OF THE YEAR: Admittedly, I as a 57 year old man should absolutely NOT be voicing my opinion on the Doll of the Year Award (DOTY award?) but if I had to choose from the list of 2026 nominees I would hands-down pick Woof & Co by Sunny Days Entertainment. It's a collection of fashionable dogs of various breeds who all dress FABULOUS! Yeah, this is the one I'd go for. EDUCATIONAL TOY OF THE YEAR: In this category I am really liking the SNAP CIRCUITS SPY KIT by Elenco Electronics. This has a bunch of components that you just snap together to make all sorts of cool stuff like a vibration sensor, motion detector, trip wire, voice changer and a whole lot more. Oh the trouble I would have gotten myself into if I had something like this when I was a kid! GAME OF THE YEAR: I've gotta tell you, there's not a bad one in the bunch of nominees this year for Game of the Year! They've got an EXPLODING KITTENS BOARD GAME where you actually flip the entire board and all the pieces stay in place! There's a Simon game (you know, the memory game Simon?) where they took it and incorporated it into a dance mat called SIMON JUMP. So you stomp out your moves on the dance mat! Then there's COWS IN SPACE where magnetic flying saucers dangle from your forehead via a sproingy headstrap and the object is to abduct cows from a field with your flying saucer! But the game that caught my attention the most was TETRIS TUMBLE XL! It's sort of like Giant Jenga except there is a base that rocks side to side and you roll a die to see what tetris pieces you have to stack on top of it and of course whoever makes the stack fall to the ground is the LOSER! I like this. It's like a great big fun yard game you could also play in your living room. TETRIS TUMBLE XL for Game of the Year is my choice! INFANT / TODDLER TOY OF THE YEAR: Ok, maybe another category I might not be the best judge for but I'm who you've got pal! And in this category I choose Pour ‘N’ Grow Pop-Up Garden by Yookidoo. This appears to be mainly a bath time toy kit but you could play with it really anywhere as long as you have some water onhand. It's pretty simple: you've got three different toys, The fill and water flower, Peek A Bee and Pop Up Worm. You pour water into them or onto them and the water turns some internal mechanisms to make the flower open, the worm come out and wiggle or gets the bee to play peek a bee with you! Very unique and inventive and in my opinion, the absolute best of this year's bunch! KIDULT TOY OF THE YEAR: Kidult? That means it's made for ages 14 and up. And I'm really torn down the middle between two nominees on this one. I like the Miniverse Make it Mini Food Diner Series 4 by MGA Entertainment which is an art kit for making your own food minis that you control the designs and colors of. Have you ever walked past a restaurant that had fake food on display showing examples of their most popular dishes? Well that's what you'll be making with this kit only really, really small. The name is way too long though. Or if you just want something cool to play with that doesn't really take any time and effort, I offer you the ZipString Aracna, which is a newer version of the ZipString string loop toy, but it attaches to your wrist so you can shoot it out like Spiderman! (although they obviously aren't allowed to actually invoke Spiderman but they sure are bending over backwards suggesting it as extremely as they legally can!) The really cool feature of this Kidult toy of the year nominee is the glow feature! Flip a switch on the ZipString wrist launcher, turn off the lights and do all sorts of awesome tricks and shapes in the dark with a glowing string loop. So… Miniverse Make it Mini Food Diner Series 4 or the the ZipString Aracna! The Miniverse Make it Mini Food Diner Series 4 triggers me relentlessly with that obnoxiously long name, so on that basis alone I am giving the nod to the ZipString Aracna! OUTDOOR TOY OF THE YEAR: I think there should really be two sub categories here. One for younger kids and one for older. For the older kids, I was really blown away by the Crazy Cart Shuffle by Razor USA. This thing is like a Big Wheel or a Green Machine on steroids. Not only can you pedal around in this thing but you can spin and also drift. It's really neat. And speaking of neat, for the little ones I absolutely love the Outdoor Kitchen by Hape. It's not a real kitchen of course but it's a really cool miniature toy version of an outdoor kitchen setup! Come on TOTY Awards, let's break this one up by age groups! PRESCHOOL TOY OF THE YEAR: Ok, there were some good ones in here and maybe I'm judging on my own male bias from a bygone era but my favorite here was the Little Tikes Creative Construction Power Cuts Set by MGA Entertainment. It's a woodworking shop playset with an actual working , low-powered plastic chop saw which cuts through foam 2x4s and also comes with a play hammer, nails, measuring tape and carpenter pencil which is actually a marker. In the video demonstration I watched, the chop saw did struggle getting through the foam wood, but when you're talking about preschoolers, that's probably about the best you can hope for. We desperately need more encouragement and inspiring of our youth towards the skilled trades in my humble opinion and this is a refreshing step in that direction. Nicely done! SPECIALTY TOY OF THE YEAR: I was truly taken by the Yes & Know Original Invisible Ink Trivia Game Books by Tree Town Toys. These are basically activity books where different things are revealed with the use of a special invisible ink pen. This looks fantastic for keeping the younguns busy on a road trip or maybe in a waiting room or anywhere you want to keep them distracted. That is until you run out of invisible ink and invisible ink activity books! And those are my picks for the 2026 TOTY AWARDS and THAT'S our look ahead at what's hot on the horizon for 2026! What are YOU looking forward to? Let me know! If you’re enjoying this episode on one of the socials, leave a comment. Otherwise you can email me at neil @ dandyfunhouse . com And even though I said I wasn't going to do a retrospective of this past year, I will tell you my favorite Dandy Fun House episode from this past year of 2025: Oh, who am I kidding? It's always the Halloween episode where the Dandy Fun House becomes the Dandy Spook Shack and I get to dress up like a ghoul. But my second favorite might have to be the deep dive into the iconic toy company WHAM-O! I learned so much doing that one! You might think I just come on here and already know all this stuff I talk about but on the contrary, I do a great deal of research in the weeks leading up to producing an episode and I'm constantly learning amazing new things which is why I really love doing this! DANDY FUN HOUSE Plans for 2026? More of the same of course! We're getting really close to monetization on YouTube. Technically we're already supposed to be there but YouTube gives conflicting information on this and is notorious for constantly moving the goalposts. So while we love publishing to YouTube, we certainly don't put all our Dandy Eggs in that basket. We also publish to Instagram, Facebook, X, Tik Tok and Rumble as well as our very own DANDY FUN HOUSE WEBSITE AT dandyfunhouse.com where you can watch the video, listen and subscribe to the podcast or read the entire episode in written form along with pictures! Who does that!? WE DO! THAT'S WHO! And we do it by hand. No AI stuff. Okay, full disclosure, we DO use AI to help transcribe the episodes into written form and also the captions for the short form videos, but it always gets things wrong so we always go over it personally and make the needed corrections. But while you're on our website checking out all the episodes and buying stuff from the Dandy Fun Shop, be sure to visit our PATRONAGE PAGE where you can support future productions with your modest financial gifts! SUPPORTERS gain access exclusive bonus content AND SUPER SUPPORTERS gain that same access plus I’ll personally send you something amazing from right here at the Dandy Fun House Studios if you include your mailing address! Podcast Listeners may often support through a donation link in your listening app of choice of the app offers it, I understand not all do. And your 5 star reviews wherever you can leave them are always highly appreciated! And THAT ladies and gentlemen sticks a fork in 2025. Please don't forget the reason for the season, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and come on back next year for some amazing new frivolities in 2026! You never know what kind of crazy trouble we could get into, right here at the Dandy Fun House where everything is always FUN AND DANDY! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everybody! Neil Dandy is the creator of The Dandy Fun House and the alter-ego of Neil Smith, the Big Cheese at Neil Smith Entertainment, follower of Jesus, musician, Emcee, Paratransit Driver and Author. Aren't you impressed?

Neil Smith, Glenn Healy, and John Davidson reunite to relive the 1994 Rangers' legendary Stanley Cup run. From Mike Keenan's controversial hiring to the franchise-altering trade deadline, this is the untold story of how the President's Trophy champions assembled. Hear about Mark Messier's leadership transforming the culture, the Butch Goring comparisons, the expansion draft chess moves that brought Glenn Healy aboard, and Neil Smith's calculated gamble trading beloved stars Tony Amonte and Mike Gartner. This is Part 1 of a 5-episode series celebrating 30 years since Broadway's greatest parade.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Welcome to 1994 Forever: 5-part series on the Rangers' 54-year championship drought ending[02:00] - Neil Smith, Glenn Healy, John Davidson: three generations of Rangers history united[03:00] - 30 years later: erasing three generations of misery for grandfathers, fathers, and sons[04:00] - John Davidson's playing career: 1979 Finals heartbreak against Montreal, losing 4 straight after 2-0 series lead[06:00] - JD's broadcasting evolution: watching championship teams league-wide, telling Neil "You're the best team"[08:00] - The tense Game 7 moment: Neil on a crate backstage, JD saying "This thing isn't done yet"[10:00] - Steve Larmer's last face-off: pinning his man against the glass even after time expired[11:00] - Glenn Healy's Islanders comparison: first day of Rangers camp realizing "This team is 10 times better"[12:00] - The depth advantage: death by committee, games decided in 30 minutes, Richter making 27 saves to close[13:00] - Mark Messier's arrival in 1991: the glue that transformed individuals into a championship team[15:00] - The Oiler connection: purposefully acquiring Edmonton champions, "Who better to get than winners?"[16:00] - Stanley Campbell's famous quote: "No more Oilers!" Neil's response: "What do you want, Sharks and Senators?"[17:00] - John Davidson as sounding board: not just a broadcaster, a crucial voice without emotional investment[18:00] - Benny Patrisse story: World War II veteran towel boy, Mark Messier ensuring he got a championship ring[20:00] - "Everybody mattered": from the stretch guy to the color commentator, complete team culture[21:00] - Mike Keenan's April 1993 hiring: handling elite-level players, the only available proven championship coach[23:00] - 1993 expansion draft crisis: protecting Mike Richter over John Vanbiesbrouck, the pressure of getting nothing back[24:00] - The Pat Quinn trade: Vanbiesbrouck to Vancouver for "future considerations" Doug Lidster with 5 minutes to deadline[26:00] - Glenn Healy acquisition: secondary expansion draft, getting the Islanders goalie who "beats us all the time"[28:00] - Greg Gilbert free agent signing and Paul Broten waiver loss for Mike Hudson depth addition[29:00] - Alexander Karpovtsev trade: Pierre Pagé asking for Mike Hartman, Krister Ström's scouting gem from Quebec[31:00] - Steve Larmer holdout: the Iron Man refusing to play for Chicago, Pulford refusing to trade to Keenan's team[32:00] - The Hartford three-way: James Patrick and Darren Turcotte for Larmer and Nick Kypreos bonus[33:00] - Training camp in London: French's Challenge vs Maple Leafs, complete roster bonding from day one[34:00] - Mike Keenan's kindest act: 5 days off in London, team bonding at 100% body fat together[35:00] - Nick Kypreos singing "Brandy": Mark Messier's reaction - "This little puke better be able to play"[36:00] - Alexander Karpovtsev shirtless: "Did we just sign a plumber?" - Dean Martin body, championship player[38:00] - The corporate culture shift: London trip bonding suits with players, no longer cold corporate Madison Square Garden[39:00] - Mike Keenan disappearing act: Neil searching for him on London flight, he...

Captain Dennis Potvin, left wing John Tonelli, and defenseman Ken Morrow continue their celebration of the Islanders dynasty with Part 2. From the exhaustion of overtime to the relief of Bobby Nystrom's famous goal, the legends share what happened after May 24, 1980. Hear stories about defending four straight championships, the brutal 1982 Pittsburgh comeback, dominating Gretzky's young Oilers with defensive strategy, Billy Smith's battling mentality, the controversial 2-3-2 format that ended the dynasty in 1984, and why 19 consecutive playoff series wins will never be matched.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Overtime exhaustion: fear as the greatest motivator, never doubting the heart of champions against Philadelphia's 35-game unbeaten streak.[01:00] - Ken Morrow's head between his knees: missing Bobby Nystrom's winning goal because of complete physical exhaustion.[02:00] - Afternoon game disruption: how the unusual 3pm start on CBS threw off routines and added to the difficulty.[03:00] - John Tonelli's celebration: nobody jumped and celebrated like JT in those days, the famous jumping moment.[04:00] - Dennis Potvin's flashbulb memory: tasting the lead from old-fashioned camera flashes exploding throughout Nassau Coliseum.[05:00] - Fans storming the ice: security couldn't hold back the celebration, Bobby Trottier never touching the Cup on ice.[06:00] - The moment it sinks in: "Holy fuck, we've won the Stanley Cup" - processing what none of them had ever done before.[07:00] - Relief before joy: Ken Morrow's first feeling was relief from not having to practice or play another shift.[08:00] - John Tonelli's exhaustion: slow-motion pass to Nystrom, going home to bed after 20 minutes at Bill Torrey's party.[09:00] - Dennis Potvin's Jean Beliveau moment: thinking of his childhood hero raising the Cup, then giving it to Clark Gillies first.[11:00] - Defending champions 1980-81: best record at 110 points, sweeping Toronto, beating young Oilers in six, Rangers in six, Minnesota in five.[12:00] - Butch Goring wins Conn Smythe: the catalyst from March 1980 carrying through, Neil Smith joins the organization.[13:00] - Barry Beck's famous quote: "They know what we're gonna do before we do it" - Islander scouting and preparation.[14:00] - Bill Torrey's genius: surrounding himself with great people, letting them do their jobs, the hallmark of championship organizations.[15:00] - The Putsy Tonelli trade: Bill sending John's brother away, then bringing him back to win two Cups together.[16:00] - Putsy's locker room presence: nobody better than John's brother for team morale and support, the intangibles that matter.[17:00] - 1982 Pittsburgh collapse: up 2-0 in series, 3-1 late in game five, owner tells Penguins fans not to come.[18:00] - The Al Arbor warmup trick: pulling Billy Smith on power play to buy time, rule changed after this game.[19:00] - John Tonelli's quick release tying goal: puck jumping over Randy Carlyle's stick, Michel Dion standing on his head.[20:00] - Tonelli's overtime winner: reaction shot that caught everyone off guard, vintage Bossy-style release.[21:00] - Ken Morrow's desperation slide: taking away the 2-on-1 pass, Mike Bullard hitting the post instead of scoring.[22:00] - Mike Bossy's parallel-to-ice goal: flying horizontal while backhanding the puck, greatest goal Kenny ever saw.[24:00] - 1984 Finals vs. Cocky Oilers: Gretzky, Messier, Coffey, Kurri getting all the headlines as the new machine.[25:00] - Billy Smith's Game 1 masterpiece: 35-save shutout, greatest goaltending performance in NHL history according to Morrow.[26:00] - Raising the level: Islanders' ability to meet any challenge and play just a bit better, matching Edmonton's intensity.[27:00] - The Gretzky strategy: taking away his options, not attacking

Ken Holland, the legendary hockey executive, joins the show to discuss his surprising move to become Vice President and General Manager of the Los Angeles Kings. After a distinguished career that included building championship teams in Detroit and Edmonton, Holland shares insights on his transition to LA, his philosophy on team building, and what it takes to construct a Stanley Cup contender in the modern NHL.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] - Ken Holland joins the show and discusses his unexpected move to become VP/GM of the Los Angeles Kings after a stint in the NHL's hockey operations department.[01:00] - The Western roots that made the LA opportunity attractive, and Holland's relationship with Luke Robitaille and the Anschutz ownership group.[02:00] - A lighthearted look back at Holland's near-career as an Electrolux vacuum salesman before Neil Smith and Jim Devellano recruited him as a scout in 1985.[03:00] - Holland's analysis of his former team, the Edmonton Oilers, and what makes them different in their current playoff run.[05:00] - The Stuart Skinner question: understanding goaltender consistency and the pressure of playing in Canada with elite forwards.[07:00] - Holland's first priorities as Kings GM: decisions on key unrestricted free agents including Matt Roy on defense and David Rittich in goal.[10:00] - How team building has evolved over 30 years in the NHL, from Holland's days with Detroit to the modern salary cap era.[12:00] - The most important decisions a GM makes: the coach and the goaltender, plus the critical role of defensive structure.[15:00] - Evaluating Darcy Kuemper and the Kings' goaltending situation moving forward.[17:00] - Building the perfect roster: size, speed, skill, compete level, and why it's a two-goalie league.[20:00] - Will the league shift toward physicality after Florida's success, or will skill players remain premium assets?[23:00] - Holland's thoughts on the remaining playoff teams and what makes championship-caliber organizations.[25:00] - Reflecting on the mentorship of Neil Smith and Jim Devellano, and how a phone call in 1985 changed everything.X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/#NHLWraparound #KenHolland #LosAngelesKings #EdmontonOilers #NeilSmith #VicMorren #NHL #DetroitRedWings #StuartSkinner #DarcyKuemper #LukeRobitaille #StanleyCup #HockeyGM #CalvinPickard #DrewDoughty #MattRoy #DavidRittich #RobBlake #BillRanford #WarrenFoegele #QuintonByfield #BrandtClarke #JimmyDevellano #ScottyBowman #ChrisChelios #Nicklidstrom #ConnorMcDavid #LeonDraisaitl #MattiaasEkholm #ChrisOsgood

Kenny McLean from the Jim Clark Museum shows us around the fantastic exhibits and talks about the local farmer who became arguably the world's greatest-ever racing driver. Paul Jurd explores Clark's magnificent 1965 season and explains some of Jim's unique achievements to Jim Roller and Paul Tarsey. Gabes Ewbank from Race Retro lets us know what we can expect at the UK's leading motorsport show in February, TV commentator Alex Jacques chats to Roller and Tarsey about some of his ‘greatest hits' in the last 75 years of F1, and Jodi Ellis John Nickas and Neil Smith launch volumes four and five of the magnum opus ‘Yanks at Le Mans'.

In this engaging conversation, Neil Smith shares his journey from being a vocational pastor to an entrepreneur in New York City. He discusses the challenges and joys of raising a family in the city, the importance of community, and the unique experiences that come with living in such a vibrant place. Neil also delves into the impact of technology on parenting, the journey of content creation, and the significance of faith and support from the community during challenging times. He concludes by sharing his current projects and the transition he is navigating in his professional life.Faith Driven EntrepreneurAmplify Social MediaComing to New York City PodcastFrancis Faith Ministries

Pastor Neil Smith is the International Director of Planetshakers Church, Australia - not only that, he is part of the family at !Audacious Church and he visited us November bringing an incredible message. Catch up on 'Don't settle' - here

Having been raised in Los Angeles, a place with vast swathes of single-family homes connected by freeways, arriving in Costa Rica was an eye opener for the young cultural anthropologist Setha Low. “I thought it was so cool that everybody was there together,” she tells interview David Edmonds in this Social Science Bites podcast. “… Everybody was talking. Everybody knew their place. It was like a complete little world, a microcosm of Costa Rican society, and I hadn't seen anything like that in suburban Los Angeles.” That epiphany set Low, now a distinguished professor at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, onto a journey filled with the exploration of public spaces and a desire to explain them to the rest of the world. This trek has resulted in more than a hundred scholarly articles and a number of books, most recently Why Public Space Matters but including 2006's Politics of Public Space with Neil Smith; 2005's Rethinking Urban Parks: Public Space and Cultural Diversity with S. Scheld and D. Taplin; 2004's Behind the Gates: Life, Security and the Pursuit of Happiness in Fortress America; 2003's The Anthropology of Space and Place: Locating Culture with D. Lawrence-Zuniga; and 2000's On the Plaza: The Politics of Public Space and Culture. Low is also director of the Graduate Center's Public Space Research Group, and has received a Getty Fellowship, a fellow in the Center for Place, Culture and Politics, a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities, a Fulbright Senior Fellowship, and a Guggenheim for her ethnographic research on public space in Latin America and the United States. She was president of the American Anthropological Association (from 2007 to 2009) and has worked on public space research in projects for the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford and was cochair of the Max Planck Institute for Religious and Ethnic Diversity's Public Space and Diversity Network.  

Support us on Patreon

Following the passing of Hall-of-Fame goaltender Bernie Parent, hosts Neil Smith and Vic Morren re-release the podcast which first aired in May 2024 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia Flyers' first Stanley Cup victory in 1974. This unforgettable conversation featured Parent, cornerstone of the Cup-winning team, and Jay Snider, son of Flyers' founder Ed Snider and former team president.Together, they reflected on the rise of the Broad Street Bullies, the grit, passion, and leadership that defined their era, and the lasting legacy of the Flyers' back-to-back Stanley Cup wins in 1974 and 1975. From intense battles with the Boston Bruins to behind-the-scenes insights into the Flyers' culture under Fred Shero, this episode is a tribute to one of the most iconic teams in NHL history.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:34] Remembering the Cup on Broad Street – 50 Years Later[02:05] How the Broad Street Bullies were born[05:24] The Flyers' transformation and rise to dominance[12:36] Pivotal moments in Flyers history[31:39] Flyers vs. Bruins – the ultimate 1974 showdown[36:49] Strategy, toughness, and unforgettable highlights[38:59] Breaking through to win the first Stanley Cup[42:48] Celebration, unity, and legacy[46:10] Leadership lessons from Ed Snider and Fred Shero[56:53] The second Cup – cementing a dynasty[59:51] How the Flyers' legacy still echoes today[01:03:55] Final reflections on passion, perseverance, and familyKEY TAKEAWAYS:Ed Snider's vision and demand for toughness redefined the Flyers' identity and helped shape a winning culture.Bernie Parent's return to the Flyers brought elite goaltending that proved instrumental in both Cup runs.The Flyers' victories were rooted not only in physicality but in brotherhood, leadership, and resilience.Fred Shero's coaching brilliance, combined with foundational players like Bobby Clarke, led to a lasting team culture.The stories shared reflect a team that remains a symbol of pride for Philadelphia, five decades later.LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE:Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundRESOURCE LINKS:

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 especially disappointing efforts in Games 5 and 7. And this offseason, the biggest domino fell: Mitch Marner was traded to Vegas for center Nicolas Roy, ending his nine-year tenure with the team.With Matthew Knies elevated to the new "Core Four", is this version of the Leafs any closer to a Cup? Or are we staring down another April collapse?

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 the second round against Carolina after dispatching Montreal in five games. But with no major offseason additions, the OV goal chase behind them, and multiple players coming off career seasons, is this team poised for a step forward—or a step back?

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 record (6–1 at home, 0–6 on the road) told the story.Now, with Nikolaj Ehlers gone, Connor Hellebuyck under scrutiny, and Jonathan Toews making a shocking return, is this team still built to contend?

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 itComing 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 signing him to an 8-year, $12M AAV deal. The message? The Golden Knights are all-in again.But with aging stars, injury concerns, and cap issues, is this the final swing of the sword before the dynasty window closes?

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 that pushed them into the playoffs. Though their season ended in heartbreak—blowing a two-goal lead in the final minutes of Game 7 vs. Winnipeg—the Blues showed serious promise.With savvy offseason additions, consistent goaltending, and a rock-solid system, the Blues are building a team that no one wants to play against. Montgomery's influence is already turning heads.

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 the Panthers for the third consecutive season. With John Cooper entering his 14th season behind the bench and Steven Stamkos gone to free agency, is this still a contender—or a team quietly slipping?The hosts discuss Tampa's cap-strained strategy, new bottom-six reinforcements, and whether this team can still fight for another Cup before the window closes.

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 years, Vancouver aims to rediscover the promise shown during their 2024 second-round playoff run. But with tensions between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, injuries to Demko and Hughes, and Rick Tocchet walking out the door, can this new-look squad get back on track?

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. With rookie head coach Dan Muse taking the reins from Mike Sullivan (now in New York), the team seems more focused on riding out legacies than chasing another Stanley Cup.Is this the year that Crosby finally waves the towel and requests a trade?

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 Lambert, and little improvement made during the offseason.They've got some exciting prospects like Shane Wright and former Calder winner Matty Beniers, but the goaltending is shaky, the power play regressed, and the club is still searching for its identity in a league that has passed them by.

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 much-needed spark to a Flyers team that's been stuck in neutral offensively—particularly on the power play.The Flyers haven't made the playoffs since the COVID-era bubble (2020), but now—with an infusion of youth, a tough-minded new bench boss, and real promise in net—the orange and black faithful may finally have a reason to believe.

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 remain as they head into 2025–26, particularly around one glaring issue: Who's going to score the goals?Steve Staios and head coach Travis Green have built a roster defined by toughness and effort—but is that enough to stay in the playoff picture?

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 years. With a talented forward group, fresh additions on defense, and three NHL-level goaltenders, this team may be young—but they're no longer rebuilding.

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 the big-ticket extension that followed — 8 years at $9.5M AAV. Is Dobson truly a franchise defenseman? Can he deliver on that contract, especially paired with Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson?Neil and Vic also explore Montreal's elite prospect pool, including standout names like Ivan Demidov, David Reinbacher, and Jacob Fowler — plus what their development means for the future of the franchise. And with Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky continuing to grow, the Habs look poised to become a major threat… but are they ready now?

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 star players disappearing and internal drama erupting midseason, the Broadway Blueshirts became a cautionary tale.This episode unpacks the offseason roster shakeup—highlighted by the exit of longtime fan favorite Chris Kreider, the addition of top-pair defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, and a new head coach with a Stanley Cup pedigree: Mike Sullivan.Will it all be enough to turn things around? Or are the Rangers slipping into rebuild territory?

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 virtually the same roster, hosts Neil and Vic ask the hard question: What exactly is Barry Trotz building?The team didn't win a playoff series since 2018, and despite shedding cap space and expectations, the front office made only marginal changes — none of which suggest a clear direction or uptick in performance. Is this just a mulligan for Trotz and Brunette? Or the beginning of a longer identity crisis?

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 Skinner, John Klingberg, and Dmitry Orlov, while ushering in a promising new era led by Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.From goaltending uncertainty to an emerging forward group, the Sharks' 2025–26 season might not be playoff-bound — but it's shaping up to be a big leap forward for the franchise.

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 by GM Bill Guerin — including the retirement of Marc-André Fleury, key signings like Vladimir Tarasenko and Nico Sturm, and what it means that Guerin didn't make bigger changes despite finally having cap flexibility after the Parise/Suter buyouts.They dive into the team's core — Kirill Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Jared Spurgeon — and whether that group is strong enough to push past the Wild Card bubble. Plus, goaltending questions with Filip Gustavsson taking over and top prospect Jesper Wallstedt stepping in.Is this a playoff team or just more of the same?IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Minnesota's playoff frustrations and off-season expectations[01:30] Breaking down the Wild's key losses and additions[04:20] Guerin's conservative approach despite cap space[05:45] Defensive depth and Jonas Brodin's injury[07:00] Goaltending tandem: Gustavsson and Wallstedt[08:15] Kaprizov's future and the weight he carries[10:00] Is John Hynes on the hot seat?[11:25] Can this roster survive the Central Division pressure?KEY TAKEAWAYS:The Wild made minimal upgrades despite having more flexibility this summer.Kaprizov is entering a contract year — and the pressure is on.John Hynes is entering a pivotal year as head coach.Minnesota may be fighting for a Wild Card spot unless their top players break through.

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 health questions that could impact the Panthers' pursuit of a dynasty.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:34] – Florida goes for the three-peat[01:17] – Re-signing Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand & Aaron Ekblad[02:45] – Depth moves: Tarasoff in, Nate Schmidt & Vanecek out[03:32] – Why Jeff Petry may be the key under-the-radar addition[04:15] – Mackie Samoskevich brings the Cup to Sandy Hook Elementary[06:08] – Matthew Tkachuk's injury status and potential surgery[07:12] – Historical look: Can Florida join the NHL's dynasty elite?[09:00] – Neil on what it will take: "Bobrovsky and health, that's the answer."KEY TAKEAWAYS:Bill Zito nailed the offseason, keeping his top players and avoiding major lossesDepth matters: Smart additions like Jeff Petry and Tarasoff could be difference-makersMatthew Tkachuk's health will be a key storyline to watch all seasonBobrovsky's performance and age will factor heavily into a deep playoff runIf Florida can stay healthy and maintain chemistry, they have a real shot at a historic three-peatRESOURCE LINKS:

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 belt but key players returning from injury, the Devils are looking to take another step in 2025–26. But after a relatively quiet summer, the question is: Did they do enough to take that step?Notable acquisitions include Connor Brown from Edmonton and Evgenii Dadonov from Dallas, both projected to solidify the bottom six. The club also re-signed center Cody Glass and goaltender Jake Allen—a move the hosts view as crucial, not just on the ice, but in the locker room. Meanwhile, defenseman Jeremy Hanzel was brought in via trade from Nashville in a surprising deal that sent Erik Haula the other way.With Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton back to full health, and Jacob Markstrom now in net, New Jersey could be ready to climb—but concerns remain about veteran production and playoff identity.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Devils recap: Another early exit[00:38] Offseason moves: Understated but strategic[01:00] Acquisitions: Brown, Dadonov, Hanzel, Riley Stillman[01:45] Departures: Haula, Lazar, Dulan, Bastian[02:15] Re-signings: Cody Glass, Jake Allen[02:45] Top-six review: Bratt, Hughes, Heischer, Meier, Palat[04:00] The need for more from Palat and Meier[05:00] Defense pairings: Hamilton/Dillon, Hughes/Pesce[05:45] Jeremy Hanzel arrives… but where's Gretel?[06:00] Final verdict: Respect earned, but is it enough to contend?KEY TAKEAWAYS:Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton returning to full health will be vital to any Devils playoff success.The additions of Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov boost the bottom six, but this is still a top-heavy offense dependent on Bratt, Hughes, Heischer, and Meier.Ondrej Palat's offensive output has yet to match expectations from his Lightning days, while Timo Meier still hasn't become a 30–35 goal scorer in New Jersey.On defense, Brendan Dillon's arrival should provide physical protection and pair chemistry for Dougie Hamilton, while Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce round out a promising top four.The goalie tandem of Markstrom and Allen might finally give the Devils the playoff stability in net they've long needed.With a healthy roster, New Jersey is expected to battle Carolina for the top of the Metro—if the pieces click.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #NewJerseyDevils #TomFitzgerald #JeremyHanzel #ErikHaula #ConnorBrown #EvgeniiDadonov #StanBowman #PeterDeBoer #JackHughes #DougieHamilton #JakeAllen #CodyGlass #BrianDumoulin #CurtisLazar #NathanBastian #NicoHischier #JesperBratt #OndrejPalat #TimoMeier #StefanNoesen #DawsonMercer #BrendenDillon #LukeHughes #BrettPesce #JonasSiegenthaler #SimonNemec #JacobMarkstrom

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's front office leadership, Detroit hopes that one major offseason swing—a trade for John Gibson—can stabilize their goaltending and finally push them over the edge.Will it be enough?IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Red Wings: A decade of frustration[00:36] Power play high, penalty kill worst in the league[01:00] John Gibson acquisition: a franchise-altering gamble?[02:00] Goaltending swap: Gibson for Mrazek[02:45] Other offseason additions: JVR, Appleton, Hamonic[03:50] Prospect pool preview: Danielson, Mazur, Cossa[04:30] Offensive core: DeBrincat, Larkin, Raymond, Kane[05:15] Is there enough depth if someone goes down?[06:00] Playoff competition: Too many contenders, too few spotsKEY TAKEAWAYS:John Gibson is the swing piece. If he returns to form, Detroit may finally have the goaltending they've lacked for years. If not, the playoff drought could hit a full decade.Power play success masked penalty kill disaster. Detroit ranked 4th in PP% last year—but dead last (32nd) in PK%, and had just 2 shorthanded goals.Yzerman's offseason was conservative. Outside of the Gibson trade, additions like James van Riemsdyk, Mason Appleton, and Travis Hamonic won't move the needle significantly.Detroit's window is tightening. With the East getting deeper (Montreal, Ottawa, Columbus, Buffalo all fighting), the margin for error is razor thin.Offensive leaders like Dylan Larkin, DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, and Patrick Kane must stay healthy—this team can't afford to lose top-end scoring.FINAL VERDICT:Detroit made one major move this offseason—and if John Gibson plays like the All-Star he once was, it could be a franchise-defining deal. But with penalty-kill woes, aging secondary scoring, and intense wild card competition, the Red Wings remain a bubble team in a crowded East.Is year 10 of the rebuild the one that finally breaks the curse—or does the streak stretch into double digits?RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787HASHTAGS:#DetroitRedWings #NHLWraparound #SummerCoolers #JohnGibson #PetrMrazek #JamesvanRiemsdyk #MasonAppleton #WilliamLagesson #AlbertJohansson #JonatanBerggren #ElmerSoderblom #SteveYzerman #VladimirTarasenko #AlexLyon #PatVerbeek #LucasRaymond #AlexDebrincat #DylanLarkin

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 Blake out and Ken Holland in as GM, the Kings are attempting to retool—but are they reloading or regressing?The hosts break down the impact of Holland's veteran-heavy signings—Corey Perry, Cody Ceci, Joel Armia, and Brian Dumoulin—all of whom push the Kings' roster deeper into “win-now” territory. But with an aging core that includes Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar, and a first-time head coach in Jim Hiller, there are real questions about whether this team can make it out of the first round, let alone compete for the Cup.They also revisit LA's playoff series against Edmonton, highlighting how close the Kings were to taking control—and how costly breakdowns and coaching decisions may have sealed their fate.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] A fourth straight playoff loss to the Oilers — what went wrong again?[01:00] Ken Holland takes over as GM — will he be the answer?[01:33] Offseason additions: Perry, Armia, Ceci, Dumoulin — average age over 34[02:40] Perry's Stanley Cup Final curse — five different teams, five losses[04:15] Game-by-game recap: blown leads, failed challenge, poor puck decisions[06:00] Byfield's development, Fiala's upside, and depth up front[07:15] Defensive drop-off: losing Gavrikov, aging Doughty, concerns with Ceci[08:10] Coaching hot seat: how long is the leash for Jim Hiller?[09:15] Could Peter DeBoer be an option if things go south early?KEY TAKEAWAYS:The Kings continue to stumble in the postseason, despite holding multiple leads over the Oilers in key games.Ken Holland's first offseason as GM focused on experience, but at the expense of speed and youth.The blue line took a hit with the loss of Vladislav Gavrikov, and the replacements (Ceci, Dumoulin) raise concerns.Jim Hiller is not Holland's hire, and with big expectations and a veteran group, a slow start could trigger changes.Quinton Byfield's second-half surge and the continued consistency of Kempe and Danault offer hope—but the pressure is building.RESOURCE LINKS:

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 Gulutzan, signaling a reset without dismantling their core.Dallas finished the 2024–25 regular season with 102 points and were one of the West's most dangerous teams on paper. But after a Game 1 offensive outburst against Edmonton in the Conference Final, the Stars' scoring completely dried up. That collapse has left major questions about leadership, playoff preparedness, and whether the window to win with Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Matt Duchene is beginning to close.The episode covers offseason moves, the state of the blue line, the future of Jake Oettinger, and why the new coach might finally be what pushes this veteran-heavy team to the next level.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Dallas Stars 2024–25 recap: Another deep run, same ending[00:38] Jim Nill wins GM of the Year again—but makes a major change[01:00] Glen Gulutzan replaces Peter DeBoer: Why now?[02:00] Veteran core aging: Benn, Seguin, Duchene[03:00] Free agent re-signings: Duchene, Benn, Blackwell, Bork, Lundkvist[03:45] Offseason additions: RFA Rodak Faksa returns, Nathan Bastian signs[04:15] Key departures: Mason Marchment, Matt Dumba, Cody Ceci[05:00] Offensive depth: Still dangerous despite losses[05:45] Defensive pairings: Heiskanen, Lindell, Harley, Laaksonen, Burns[06:00] Goaltending: Oettinger & DeSmith remain the tandem[07:00] Miro Heiskanen's return and Brent Burns' arrival[08:00] Rantanen's revenge against Colorado: A defining moment[09:00] Why the scoring collapsed vs. Edmonton[10:00] Was DeBoer's message stale? Can Gulutzan change the tone?[11:00] Final thoughts: The Stars are a contender—but for how much longer?KEY TAKEAWAYS:The window is closing: Benn, Seguin, and Duchene are aging, and the opportunity to win with this core is narrowing.Jim Nill's bold coaching change to bring back Glen Gulutzan—whom he originally let go—shows humility and a desire to fix culture from the top down.Scoring vanished in the Conference Final, and questions remain about why so many top-tier players underperformed.Jake Oettinger is still one of the league's top young goaltenders, but he'll need to carry the load again in 2025–26.Miro Heiskanen's return to full health, along with the quiet addition of Brent Burns, could be critical for defensive stability.The Central Division is loaded, with Dallas, Winnipeg, and Colorado all battling for top spots—but one of them is destined to go home early, again.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #DallasStars #GlenGulutzan #PeterDeBoer #JakeOettinger #JimNill #JamieBenn #TylerSeguin #MattDuchene #ColinBlackwell #NilsLundkvist #MavrikBourque #RadekFaksa #NathanBastain #MasonMarchment #MikaelGranlund #CodiCeci #EvgeniiDadonov #MattDumba #RoopeHintz #WyattJohnston #JasonRobertson #MikkoRantanen #SamSteele #OskarBack #MiroHeiskanen #EsaLindell #ThomasHarley #IlyaLyubushkin #LianBichsel #CaseyDeSmith

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 in Game 7 to the Dallas Stars in the second round. The hosts dive into what's holding the Avs back from reclaiming the Cup, despite the presence of two of the league's most electrifying stars: Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.They also break down a relatively quiet offseason highlighted by the signing of Brent Burns, the addition of Victor Olofsson, and the trade that brought in Gavin Brindley while shipping out Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood. The Avalanche also re-signed key contributors like Brock Nelson, Parker Kelly, and Josh Manson, while losing depth pieces like Jonathan Drouin and Ryan Lindgren.As the Avs prepare for another run, the big questions remain: Is this still a Cup-caliber team? Or have they become more sizzle than substance?IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Avalanche recap: Consistency without deep playoff success[00:36] Game 7 vs. Dallas: A haunting finish to a promising year[01:00] Star power vs. depth: Are MacKinnon & Makar enough?[02:00] Offseason review: Brent Burns signs, Coyle/Wood traded[03:00] Gavin Brindley's upside and forward depth[04:00] UFA/RFA re-signings: Nelson, Manson, Vejdemo, Kelly[05:00] Defensive pairings: Makar, Toews, Manson, Burns[06:00] Goaltending: Blackwood and Wedgewood tandem[07:00] Full-strength roster? Landeskog returns to open season[08:00] A stacked Central Division: Dallas, Winnipeg, Colorado[09:00] Why playoff format hurts deep divisionsKEY TAKEAWAYS:Colorado's core remains elite, with MacKinnon, Makar, Rantanen, and Landeskog leading the way, but playoff progress has stalled.The addition of Brent Burns offers leadership and power-play presence, but the team needs more from its second-tier stars.Gabriel Landeskog's full-season return could be a game-changer, giving Colorado much-needed leadership and physicality.Goaltending remains a question: Blackwood and Wedgewood must prove they can deliver postseason-caliber performances.The Central Division is brutal—with Dallas and Winnipeg also strong, one top-tier team will inevitably exit early due to the current playoff format.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #ColoradoAvalanche #JaredBednar #NathanMacKinnon #CaleMakar #BrentBurns #VictorOlofsson #GavinBrindley #CharlieCoyle #MilesWood #BrockNelson #ParkerKelly #JoshManson #JoelKiviranta #JonathanDrouin #RyanLindgren #JimmyVesey #IvanIvan #DevonToews #SamGirard #SamMalinski #MackenzieBlackwood #ScottWedgewood #ValNichushkin #JackDrury #RossColton #MartinNecas #ArtturiLehkonen #GabrielLandeskog

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 were eliminated by a regulation win tiebreaker after going winless against the St. Louis Blues in the season series. Despite the heartbreak, the Jackets were one of the NHL's surprise teams, boasting an offense that tied for 7th in the league (3.26 GPG) and scoring six or more goals in 16 games.This episode examines Columbus's offseason decisions, including the high-profile Charlie Coyle–Miles Wood trade with Colorado, the questionable seven-year, $8.5M deal for Ivan Provorov, and the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau, which emotionally galvanized the team early in the season.Can this team stay healthy and consistent for all 82 games? And does head coach Ken Evison have another motivational gear without the emotional backdrop of last year?IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Columbus recap: Falling short of the wild card[00:38] Offensive strides and surprising firepower[01:00] Coyle & Wood in, Brindley & picks out in trade with Colorado[01:45] Reviewing free agent signings: Hudson Fasching and re-signings[02:30] The shock of the Provorov deal: 7 years, $8.5M AAV[03:30] Tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and impact on locker room[04:00] Goalie update: Jet Greaves promoted behind Elvis Merzlikins[05:00] Deadline departures: Tarasov, Kuraly, JVR, Danforth, Harris[06:00] What might have been: injuries to Monahan and Jenner[06:30] Playoff odds: Can they push over the line this time?[07:00] Shoutout: Matthew Olivier's breakout year and fan favorite statusKEY TAKEAWAYS:Columbus made strides offensively last season but lacked late-season consistency, finishing the final stretch 4–11–1 before winning six straight.The Provorov contract surprised many: a long-term, high-AAV commitment for a player with declining impact.Injuries to Boone Jenner and Sean Monahan derailed what was shaping up to be a playoff-bound season.Players like Kent Johnson, Marchenko, Fantilli, and Sillinger will need to continue developing for the team to reach the next level.Matthew Olivier and Miles Wood are expected to form one of the toughest fourth lines in the NHL, offering a physical edge.In a crowded Metro Division, the Blue Jackets' playoff hopes are real—but so are the risks of another near miss.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #ColumbusBlueJackets #CharlieCoyle #MilesWood #GavinBrindley #HudsonFasching #IvanProvorov #DanteFabbro #OwenSillinger #DmitriVoronkov #DaemonHunt #JohnnyGaudreau #MatthewGaudreau #DeanEvason #SeanMonahan #KirillMarchenko #YegorChinakov #AdamFantilli #KentJohnson #BooneJenner #ZachWerenski #DaniilTarasov #ElvisMerzlikins #JetGreaves #SeanKuraly #JordanHarris #PatrikLaine #JustinDanforth #JamesvanRiemsdyk #MathieuOlivier

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 regulation win tiebreaker to the St. Louis Blues.With no major additions and two notable losses—Dan Vladar to Philadelphia and Anthony Mantha to Pittsburgh—the Flames opted to run it back with nearly the same lineup. The big question: Is that enough in an improving Western Conference?The hosts break down what Calgary retained, highlight the need for scoring help, and examine whether Dustin Wolf can carry the goaltending load without proven backup support.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Recap: Flames just miss postseason on tiebreaker[00:38] No outside additions, just internal retention[01:00] Breaking down the J.J. Peterka trade & what was lost[01:45] Offensive challenges: 29th in NHL in goals per game[02:00] Who's back: Coronado, Kevin Bahl, Morgan Frost, Joel Hanley[03:00] Jonathan Huberdeau's contract vs. performance[04:00] Goaltending outlook: Dustin Wolf as the No. 1[04:30] Lack of experience behind Wolf with Devin Cooley[05:00] Blue line leadership & future of Rasmus Andersson[05:30] Zayne Parekh and the hope of future upside[06:00] Why a wildcard is the best-case scenarioKEY TAKEAWAYS:Calgary's quiet offseason is a head-scratcher, especially with $15M+ in cap space unused.Dustin Wolf is the new starter in goal, but with no experienced backup, the position remains fragile.Jonathan Huberdeau's contract (still one of the NHL's worst value deals) looms large until his production returns.Rasmus Andersson's future is a trade deadline storyline to watch as he enters the final year of his deal.The Flames didn't upgrade—and in a stronger Pacific Division, standing still might equal regression.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #CalgaryFlames #DanVladar #AnthonyMantha #KevinBahl #RasmusAndersson #JoelHanley #MackenzieWeegar #JakeBean #MattCoronato #AdamKlapka #MorganFrost #JustinKirkland #JonathanHuberdeau #NazemKadri #DustinWolf #DevinCooley #ZayneParekh

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 points in 2024–25. With few meaningful additions and continued roster instability, Neil and Vic examine whether this team has moved forward at all—or if it's still stalled at the starting line.The hosts break down puzzling offseason decisions by GM Kyle Davidson, including the $46.2 million contract extension for Frank Nazar, who has barely touched NHL ice, and the team's inability to retain Philipp Kurashev. With questionable signings like Andre Burakovsky, Sam Lafferty, and Jordan Harris, the team appears no closer to contention.Despite Bedard's individual offensive production (22G, 39A in Year 1; 23G, 44A in Year 2), he has a combined -80 rating over two seasons, and lacks a true support cast. They also explore what new head coach Jeff Blashill can realistically achieve with a bottom-tier roster and whether defense-first hockey is even viable given Bedard's weaknesses without the puck.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] A three-year rebuild with no traction[00:38] Frank Nazar's shocking extension[01:00] Reviewing Chicago's minimal offseason moves[02:00] Bedard vs. Celebrini: Are fans already second-guessing the pick?[03:00] Connor Bedard's playmaking—and defensive lapses[04:00] Veterans lost: Pat Maroon & Alec Martinez retire[04:32] Can Jeff Blashill fix anything in Year 1?[05:30] Where is the leadership and scoring help?[06:00] Blue line depth—or lack thereof[07:00] Goaltending preview: Soderblom vs. Spencer Knight[08:30] Reality check: Can this team compete?[09:30] Should Chicago shift to a defense-first system?[11:00] Why fans may have to wait even longer for progress.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Connor Bedard can't carry this team on his own. While his offensive numbers are strong, his defensive game has drawn league-wide criticism.The Frank Nazar contract ($6.6M x 7 years starting 2026–27) raises serious concerns about Chicago's salary strategy and projection risks.Despite a few gritty offseason additions, Chicago lacks scoring depth, defensive reliability, and veteran leadership.Jeff Blashill's first year behind the bench may be defined more by survival than success.Chicago will likely compete for another lottery pick rather than a playoff spot, with fan patience wearing thin.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #ChicagoBlackhawks #ConnorBedard #FedorSvechkov #JeffBlashill #AndersSorensen #AndreBurakovsky #RyanDonato #SamLafferty #JoeVeleno #LouisCrevier #ArvidSoderblom #FrankNazar #KyleDavidson #PhilippKurashev #AlecMartinez #PatMaroon #NickFoligno #ConnorMurphy #MacklinCelebrini #TeuvoTeravainen #TylerBertuzzi #IlyaMikheyev #SpencerKnight #ArtyomLevshunov #SamRinzel #KevinKorchinski #MarcoSturm #DavidPastrnak #JohnPaddock #AlexVlasic

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 second in the Metro Division with 99 points in 2024–25 and made quick work of New Jersey and Washington before falling to Florida in five games in the Eastern Conference Final—again.Neil and Vic analyze the team's latest acquisitions, including the high-profile signing of Nikolaj Ehlers from Winnipeg, and the trade for K'Andre Miller from the Rangers. They also examine what's lost with the departures of Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov, and Scott Morrow, and how the defense corps now leans heavily on Jacob Slavin, Alexander Nikishin, and Jalen Chatfield.The episode also features a fascinating side story: Rod Brind'Amour's son Skyler Brind'Amour and Keith Primeau's son Caden Primeau are now teammates—23 years after their fathers were traded for each other.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Summer Coolers intro: Carolina Hurricanes outlook[00:36] 2024–25 season recap: Regular season strong, playoffs stalled[01:10] Forwards set: Ehlers, Aho, Jarvis, Svechnikov, Blake, Martinook[02:00] Defense changes: Miller in, Burns, Orlov, and Morrow out[03:00] K'Andre Miller's fit and the high cost of acquisition[03:43] Goaltending concerns: Freddie Andersen, Pyotr Kochetkov, Caden Primeau[05:00] Re-signings and RFA updates: Suzuki, Skyler Brind'Amour, Stan Coven[06:00] The Brind'Amour–Primeau trade connection, 23 years later[06:50] Jacob Slavin's leadership and Shane Gostisbehere's PP role[08:00] Are the Hurricanes truly better than last year?[09:00] Why Carolina dominates the regular season but stalls in May[10:30] The need for playoff-style hockey to break through[11:00] Final verdict: Metro favorite—but Cup contender?KEY TAKEAWAYS:Carolina remains one of the NHL's most consistent regular-season teams, but hasn't been able to convert that into a Stanley Cup Final appearance.Nikolaj Ehlers' signing adds another skilled forward, but may not be enough to change the team's playoff identity.The defense is in transition, with Burns and Orlov gone and K'Andre Miller's growth now a key variable.Goaltending remains a concern, and a major question mark heading into 2025–26.Carolina must learn to play playoff-style hockey earlier—and more consistently—if they hope to get over the hump.RESOURCE LINKS:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjAX: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparoundNeil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeilVic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparoundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555451139787#NHL #Hockey #Podcast #K'AndreMiller #NikolajEhlers #SebastianAho #AndreiSvechnikov #SethJarvis #JacksonBlake #TaylorHall #JordanMartinook #LoganStankoven #JordanStaal #K'AndreMiller #ScottMorrow #MikeReilly #CaydenPrimeau #SkylerBrind'Amour #FrederikAndersen #EricRobinson #RyanSuzuki #RodBrind'Amour #KeithPrimeau #BrentBurns #DmitryOrlov #PyotrKochetkov #AlexanderNikishin #JaccobSlavin #JalenChatfield #ShayneGostisbehere #SeanWalker #EricTulsky