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

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

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

IN THIS EPISODE: 

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

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

Send questions or comments to NHLWraparound@gmail.com

RESOURCE LINKS 

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

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

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

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

NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

NHL Wraparound Tik Tok:https://www.tiktok.com/@nhlwraparound

SPONSORSHIP:

MeiGray is your source for Game-Worn jerseys. Head to MeiGray.com to get your collection started today. Get real, get it from MeiGray.

https://www.MeiGray.com/

https://MeiGrayauctions.com/

NHL Wraparound guests can take 10 percent off any hockey jersey when they order at meigray.com and use the COUPON CODE WRAP10

www.ubs.com

NHL and UBS Financial Services Inc. are not affiliated. UBS Financial Services Inc. (UBS) is a sponsor of The Human Side of the Story.  No other affiliation, relationship or endorsement is made, suggested, intended or should be implied or inferred between UBS and Produce your Podcast, or any of the individuals or businesses, and/or their respective products and services appearing in this program.

The Nintzel Wealth Partners:  https://advisors.ubs.com/nintzelwealthpartners/

What is the primary focus of The Nintzel Wealth Partners? You, and what matters most to you. We see our relationship as an ongoing, ever-evolving collaboration. We make no assumptions about your wealth until we thoroughly talk through your priorities and your concerns. As a multigenerational team, our advice is relevant to clients at any age. Each of us brings the knowledge we’ve gained from every type of market. Looking back, we believe our experience offers our clients the benefit of perspective. But we are also modern thinkers whose guidance reflects today’s realities.

We recognize that you place your trust in our ability to help you achieve your goals, to create the right opportunities for you and your family and to plan confidently for the future. To us, there’s no greater honor. And without question, there’s no greater responsibility.

Our mission is to provide quality strategies customized to your needs. Our goal is to be your primary source of financial advice. To this end, we concentrate our efforts on developing long-term relationships through a commitment to quality client service.

BIO:

Dave Jackson is a former NHL referee who now works as a lead rules analyst for ESPN. He has officiated 1,546 regular season games and 83 playoff matches, and has also officiated two All-Star Games (2002, 2018), and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Jackson is the sixth NHL referee to work 1,500 games, and the most tenured active referee.