The scene plays out before every NBC hockey telecast. Pierre McGuire practically bounces onto the ice for the short walk to his broadcasting post between the benches. He is a bundle of energy as he watches warm-ups, conducts a player interview during the pregame show and waits for the opening puck to drop.

McGuire, who once coached the Hartford Whalers, began his broadcasting career in 1997. But armed with a seemingly endless supply of vignettes and commentary, he has found his calling with “Inside the Glass,” combining his insights with those of his frequent partners, Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk, in the broadcast booth above the ice.

“You have to learn something new every day,” said McGuire, 55, who originated the “Inside the Glass” role when the N.H.L. returned for the 2005-6 season after the previous season had been lost to a lockout.