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 goaltender Glenn Healy and MSG color analyst John Davidson as they reflect on the thrilling journey to their historic victory.

They reminisce about the dramatic trade deadline decisions, the influence of iconic players such as Mark Messier and Mike Richter, and the acceptance of roles by various team members. 

Personal anecdotes, key moments in pivotal games, and the strong sense of camaraderie that defined the team are highlighted. 

This episode takes listeners on an emotional trip down memory lane, celebrating the collective effort that led to the Rangers' unforgettable 1993-94 season and the joy of the Broadway parade.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [00:34] Reliving the 1994 Stanley Cup: A Journey Begins
• [02:01] The Legendary 1994 Rangers: Stories from the Team
• [20:27] Building a Championship Team: The Inside Story
• [44:18] Early Struggles and Turning Points
• [50:08] The Unforgettable Moments and Team Bonding
• [51:25] A Rollercoaster of Games and Team Dynamics
• [58:52] The Trade Deadline: Strategic Moves and Team Transformation
• [01:09:09] The Playoff Journey Begins: Challenges and Triumphs
• [01:23:08] Reflections on Victory and the Power of Team Spirit
• [01:33:04] Closing Thoughts and Looking Ahead to the Playoffs

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The leadership of Mark Messier and the cohesive bond among the players were instrumental in navigating through the challenges of the season.
• Neil Smith's strategic management and timely trades were crucial in fortifying the team's roster, significantly impacting their path to the cup.
• The team's mental toughness and ability to stay focused under pressure played a pivotal role, particularly during crucial games and the playoffs.
• The 1994 Stanley Cup victory not only ended a 54-year championship drought for the Rangers but also left a lasting legacy on the players and fans alike.

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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Guest BIO:

Glenn Healy is a former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Healy's career spanned from 1985 to 2001. One of his most notable achievements was being part of the 1994 New York Rangers team that won the Stanley Cup, ending a 54-year championship drought for the Rangers.

After retiring from professional play, Healy transitioned into broadcasting. He has worked as a hockey analyst for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on their Hockey Night in Canada telecasts and for other networks. Healy is known for his insightful commentary and deep knowledge of the game. Additionally, he served as the Director of Player Affairs for the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA), where he was involved in various aspects of player representation and welfare.

Healy has also been active in charitable endeavors, particularly those related to hockey communities and youth programs, leveraging his profile to support and advocate for various causes within the sport.

John Davidson, often referred to by his initials "JD," is a highly respected figure in the world of ice hockey, both for his accomplishments as a player and for his extensive career in management and broadcasting. As a goaltender, Davidson played in the NHL from 1973 to 1983, primarily for the St. Louis Blues and the New York Rangers. His playing career, though marred by injuries, was distinguished by notable performances, including a memorable run to the 1979 Stanley Cup Finals with the Rangers.

After retiring as a player, Davidson transitioned into broadcasting, where he became one of the most beloved and knowledgeable hockey commentators. He worked for major networks like CBC, MSG Network, and NBC, covering several Olympic Games and Stanley Cup Playoffs, earning acclaim for his insightful analysis and deep understanding of the game.

Davidson later moved into hockey management, serving as the President of Hockey Operations for the St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets, and returning to the New York Rangers in the same capacity. Under his leadership, these franchises have seen significant rebuilding and success, reflecting his strategic acumen and deep commitment to team development.

His contributions to hockey have been recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame as a broadcaster. Davidson's career reflects a lifelong passion for hockey, marked by significant achievements in every facet of the sport he has been involved in.