Neil Smith, President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers, along with ESPN NHL veteran Vic Morren are joined by Hall of Fame defenseman Kevin Lowe and two-way forward Steve Larmer, they recap the road to the Eastern Conference Final. 

The discussion highlights key moments from the Rangers' series against the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals, emphasizing the players' experiences, the importance of special teams, and critical saves by goaltender Mike Richter. 

The team reflects on the contributions of Esa Tikkanen and the strategic nuances employed by GM Neil Smith. Anticipation builds for the upcoming showdown against the New Jersey Devils—a series for the ages.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [00:36] Commemorating the 1994 New York Rangers
• [01:01] New York Islanders and Washington Capitals
• [01:10] Guest Introductions: Kevin Lowe and Steve Lahmer
• [02:31] Facing the New York Islanders: Rivalry and Challenges
• [07:00] Game Highlights and Key Moments
• [07:43] Mike Richter's Impact and Goalie Dynamics
• [14:37] Special Teams and Series Strategy
• [21:11] Leadership and Team Dynamics
• [24:26] Reflections on Building a Championship Team
• [30:49] The Importance of Sweeping the Islanders
• [33:31] Rangers vs. Capitals: A Historical Rivalry
• [40:30] The Impact of Esa Tikkanen
• [46:59] Overcoming the Capitals and Moving Forward
• [57:24] Setting the Stage for the Devils Series

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The Rangers showcased their depth and resilience throughout the playoffs, with key contributions from both star players and role players. The team’s ability to adapt and support each other was crucial in their victories over the Islanders and Capitals.
• Goalie Mike Richter's outstanding performance was a significant factor in the Rangers' success. His ability to make crucial saves under pressure helped the team maintain momentum and confidence throughout the series.
• The Rangers' power play and penalty kill units were exceptionally effective. The team’s ability to capitalize on power play opportunities and shut down opponents’ power plays played a vital role in their series wins.
• The presence of experienced players like Mark Messier, Kevin Lowe, and Steve Larmer provided invaluable leadership. Their experience in high-pressure playoff situations helped guide the team through challenging moments and maintain composure.

RESOURCE LINKS 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBj1LV0-DMfBhcRPSJZLjA

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

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

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

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BIO:

Kevin Hugh Lowe played in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers and was known as one of the NHL's best power forwards of that era. He won the 1983 Calder Memorial Trophy as well as being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team that year. From 1982 to 1993, Larmer played in 884 consecutive games for the Blackhawks, an NHL record for most consecutive games played with the same team, and the third longest consecutive-games streak in league history at that time. He had a chance at breaking Doug Jarvis' record for consecutive games played but a contract dispute at the beginning of the 1993–94 officially ended his streak. The impasse was resolved by Larmer being traded to the New York Rangers, who would go on to win the Stanley Cup that same year. Larmer was selected to play in Pittsburgh in the 1990 All-Star Game, and in Chicago's 1991 All-Star Game as well. In the 1990–91 season he finished 5th in the voting for NHL league MVP. Larmer was great at both ends of the ice as he received Frank J. Selke Trophy votes on five occasions (1989-17th, 1991-3rd, 1992-8th, 1993-10th, 1994-13th) as best defensive forward in the league. He received votes for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on five occasions. He won a Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994, where he served as alternate captain, and scored his 1,000th point and played in his 1,000th game in 1994–95, his final season.

Steve Larmer played in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers and was known as one of the NHL's best power forwards of that era. He won the 1983 Calder Memorial Trophy as well as being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team that year. From 1982 to 1993, Larmer played in 884 consecutive games for the Blackhawks, an NHL record for most consecutive games played with the same team, and the third longest consecutive-games streak in league history at that time. He had a chance at breaking Doug Jarvis' record for consecutive games played but a contract dispute at the beginning of the 1993–94 officially ended his streak. The impasse was resolved by Larmer being traded to the New York Rangers, who would go on to win the Stanley Cup that same year. Larmer was selected to play in Pittsburgh in the 1990 All-Star Game, and in Chicago's 1991 All-Star Game as well. In the 1990–91 season he finished 5th in the voting for NHL league MVP. Larmer was great at both ends of the ice as he received Frank J. Selke Trophy votes on five occasions (1989-17th, 1991-3rd, 1992-8th, 1993-10th, 1994-13th) as best defensive forward in the league. He received votes for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on five occasions. He won a Stanley Cup with the Rangers in 1994, where he served as alternate captain, and scored his 1,000th point and played in his 1,000th game in 1994–95, his final season.

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