Poke the Bear

Mar 08 2025 310 ep. 34 mins 35
Poke the Bear Podcast artwork

Boston.com's Bruins reporter Conor Ryan offers up weekly thoughts, opinions and analysis on all things surrounding the Black and Gold in “Poke The Bear” — a new podcast centered on the Original Six club. Each week, Conor and a number of guests offer in-depth breakdowns on the latest news surrounding the B’s — and having plenty of fun along the way. So sit back, grab a libation (or Dunks, no one’s judging here) and let’s talk some hockey.

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It’s not a Rebuild…It’s a Retool:

Mar 08 2025 56 mins  
Conor Ryan and Ty Anderson react to the Bruins moves at the trade deadline from the trade of Brad Marchand to all the other moves made at the deadline. The guys also look at the future of the Bruins with 18 games remaining maybe tanking for a higher pick wouldn’t be the worst thing. 0:00 WELCOME 2:07 REACTING TO THE BRUINS TRADE DEADLINE AS A WHOLE 16:31 PRIZEPICKS 18:20 GRADING

Why the Bruins might opt for a more aggressive sell-off

Mar 05 2025 41 mins  
On this episode of Poke the Bear, Conor Ryan and Evan Marinofsky react to the Trent Frederic trade, discussing why adding a second-round pick is a solid return. They break down why the Bruins need to take advantage of the current seller’s market. They also analyze another embarrassing loss to Nashville and what’s going wrong for the team. Lastly, they discuss Merkulov being sen

David Pastrnak is Bruins only bright spot

Feb 28 2025 25 mins  
On this episode of Poke the Bear, Conor Ryan sits down for a solo pod to discuss the Bruins' recent struggles as they have now lost 5 straight games. The Bruins' inability to finish is reaching new heights as David Pastrnak seems to be the only player with a scoring touch lately. All that, and much more! Topics: Bruins fall to the Islanders Need timely stops from Swayman Poitras

Bruins Implode Against Maple Leafs

Feb 26 2025 37 mins  
On this episode of Poke the Bear, Conor Ryan and Evan Marinofsky discuss the Bruins back-to-back losses after the 4 Nations break. With the trade deadline right around the corner, it's becoming clearer which path is more likely for the Bruins. That, and much more! Topics: -Bruins completely implode again vs. Toronto -Path to sell is never clearer -Frederic’s injury complicates m

What can USA hockey do to beat Canada moving forward?

Feb 22 2025 44 mins  
The 4 Nations Face-Off was a huge success, but what adjustments should Team USA make for 2026? Plus, will McAvoy and Lindholm return this season? Conor Ryan and Ty Montgomery break it all down in this episode—don’t miss it! Poke the Bear is presented by: Prize Picks! Get in on the excitement with PrizePicks, America’s No. 1 Fantasy Sports App, where you can turn your hoops

Is the Bruins' season over following McAvoy injury?

Feb 19 2025 29 mins  
Charlie McAvoy remains hospitalized, leaving Bruins fans concerned as the team prepares to return from the break. Conor Ryan and Evan Marinofsky break down what to expect from Boston as they hit the ice again and analyze their outlook moving forward. Plus, the highly anticipated showdown between Team USA and Canada—who has the edge? Poke the Bear is presented by: Prize Picks! G

Will the Bruins trade/extend/hold onto these players?

Feb 14 2025 47 mins  
On this episode of Poke the Bear, Conor Ryan is joined by Ty Anderson of 9.5 The Sports Hub to discuss the Bruins' list of players that will require some tough decisions. Who do the Bruins hold onto, and who might be a trade piece before the deadline? That, and much more! Topics: - The math doesn't look good for the Bruins' playoff odds - The 4 Nations Face-Off has been electric

Marchand impresses in 4 Nations Face-Off debut

Feb 13 2025 32 mins  
On this episode of Poke the Bear, Conor Ryan and Evan Marinofsky react to Brad Marchand's impressive game in the 4 Nations Face-Off opener, and look ahead to the rest of the tournament. Plus, a look at some potential trade chips the Bruins have. All that, and much more! Topics: - Marchand, Team Canada beat Sweden at 4 Nations - Early returns for the 4 Nations look great - Do th

What is the Bruins’ ideal deadline move?

Feb 07 2025 52 mins  
On this episode of Poke the Bear, Conor Ryan is joined by Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub to discuss what the Bruins' best case scenario would be at the upcoming trade deadline. That, and much more! Topics: - Bruins lose another tough one to New York - What do we think the Bruins’ strategy will be before March 7? - Are we looking at a coaching overhaul this summer? Poke

What to make of Sweeney’s deadline comments

Feb 06 2025 37 mins  
On this episode of Poke the Bear, Conor Ryan and Evan Marinofsky take a closer look at the comments made by Bruins GM Don Sweeney regarding the trade deadline. Does management know which direction to take this team at the deadline? That, and much more! Topics: - Bruins beat Wild, come up short in New York - Special teams are killing this roster - What to make of Don Sweeney’s