Former NHL player Mike Rupp is excited to be an analyst for the NHL Network’s coverage of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Rupp is part of the revamped NHL Now show, which focuses on bringing players’ perspectives to the fans. The show features a mix of broadcasters and recently retired players, including Rupp, Jamie Hersch, and Devan Dubnyk, among others. A highlight of the show has been the ‘Players Only’ segment, which delves into players’ experiences beyond the game.
One of the regular contributors to NHL Now, Brian Boyle, shares his experiences of reaching the Stanley Cup Final twice with the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning. Boyle recalls the excitement and dedication involved in pursuing the Cup, from team dinners to the unwavering support of fans. Rupp also reminisces about his own Stanley Cup Final experience as a rookie with the New Jersey Devils, scoring the winning goal in Game 7 in 2003. Despite his early success, Rupp never made it back to the Final during his playing career.
NHL Now will be covering the Stanley Cup Final on location, with Boyle joining the team starting with Game 3 in Edmonton. The show will kick off its coverage with Media Day in Sunrise on Friday, followed by the first game of the series on Saturday. Rupp, along with Jason Demers, Devan Dubnyk, and Jamie Hersch, will be leading the coverage of the Final. Both Rupp and Boyle offer their predictions for the series, with Rupp leaning towards the Florida Panthers as potential winners, while Boyle sees them as the better team.
The Florida Panthers are set to face off against the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final, with Rupp and Boyle contemplating the potential impact of Oilers’ star player, Connor McDavid. Despite the strength of the Panthers, both analysts acknowledge McDavid’s talent and the possibility of him leading Edmonton to victory. Rupp compares the situation to Tom Brady’s triumph against the Rams in the Super Bowl, highlighting the unpredictability of sports. The series will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, CBC, and Sportsnet, offering fans the opportunity to witness the culmination of an exciting season.
