The Skate Podcast
WEEI's Scott McLaughlin, Brian DeFelice and Bridgette Proulx discuss all things Boston Bruins and NHL.
The Skate Pod, Ep. 619: Will Zacha Finish the Season as a Bruin? (Mailbag)
We answer listener questions about Pavel Zacha's future, Fraser Minten and James Hagens' ceilings, Jeremy Swayman's workload, and whether expectations for the Bruins this season are shifting.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
Jump to:
03:00 - Maple Leafs social media prompts an alien debate
09:30 - Listeners share animal attack stories
17:10 - Mailbag: Is it too early to call the Bruins a playoff team?
22:25 - Special teams top early-season concerns
29:05 - What...
The Skate Pod, Ep. 618: Is Fraser Minten's ceiling getting higher?
We break down the Bruins' 6-3 win over San Jose. Is Fraser Minten changing what we think his ceiling can be after another multi-point performance? How did Charlie McAvoy look in his first game back? Plus, are these Bruins more exciting than last year? We also discuss the NHL's "Frozen Frenzy" night and check in on top prospects Dean Letourneau and Will Zellers.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at ā ā ā ā ā skatepod@weei.comā ā ā ā ā Ā
The Skate Pod, Ep. 617: Who comes out with McAvoy back?
We break down the Bruins' dominant win over the Flyers, including Fraser Minten's big day and whether Marco Sturm has found something with Elias Lindholm sliding down to the third line. Plus, Charlie McAvoy returns on Tuesday, so who comes out on defense? Will it be rookie Frederic Brunet, or should it be someone else?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at ā ā ā ā skatepod@weei.comā ā ā ā Ā
The Skate Pod, Ep. 616: How the Bruins' offense got back on track
Discussing the Bruins' bounce-back win over Utah, special teams improvements, and more good signs from the Bruins' young players. Plus, David Pastrnak's big game brings him to new career milestones. And we address the new trade rumor that connects the Bruins to a top-pair defenseman.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at ā ā ā skatepod@weei.comā ā ā Ā
The Skate Pod, Ep. 615: Bruins need more from their veterans
We react to the Bruins' 4-1 no-show loss to the Senators. The power-play problems are only getting worse. How can Boston get David Pastrnak going? Plus, James Hagens put blame on himself after the loss, but does he deserve it?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at ā ā skatepod@weei.comā ā Ā
The Skate Pod, Ep. 614: How can Bruins fix their special teams problem?
We break down the Bruins' win in Winnipeg and loss in Minnesota, including James Hagens' first NHL goal, Michael DiPietro's first start as a Bruin, Boston's ongoing special teams issues, and the play of the defense without Charlie McAvoy.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at ā skatepod@weei.comā Ā
The Skate Pod, Ep. 613: Peterka, Bruins impress in season opener
Discussing the Bruins' shutout win over the Rangers in their season opener. We analyze which players contributed the most and which D pairs carried the biggest workload. Plus, reacting to Charlie Jacobs comments on the Bruins' Germany game, salary cap spending and updating TD Garden.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 612: Bruins season preview: Will Bruins make the playoffs?
It's our season preview episode! We make our predictions on the Atlantic Division standings, who's winning the Stanley Cup and how far the Bruins will make it in the playoffs. We also answer listener mailbag questions about Hagens' potential, Elias Lindholm's season outlook and more! Plus, key takeaways from Don Sweeney and Cam Neely's pre-season press conference and the latest on Matt Poitras.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 611: Bruins name Pastrnak captain
Reaction to the Bruins naming David Pastrnak captain. We go through today's roster cuts, who made the team and what's next for Matt Poitras. Plus, we get into the rumors that connect the Bruins to Kirill Marchenko.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 610: Who should be on Bruins' top line?
Discussing the Bruins' seconds preseason game, some adjustments to their top-six forward lines and special teams combinations. Plus, who got sent down to Providence so far, the latest on injuries to Poitras and Lohrei and a deeper look into DiPietro's difficult path to making it in the NHL.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
The Skate Pod, Ep. 609: Who Helped Themselves Most in Bruins Preseason Opener?
We break down the Bruins' come-from-behind preseason win over the Capitals. Who helped themselves the most? Who struggled? Discussing the play of Michael DiPietro, Matt Poitras, Frederic Brunet, James Hagens and others.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 608: Poitras, Brunet and other training camp storylines
Discussing the main storylines from day one of on-ice training camp and yesterday's comments from Marco Sturm and Don Sweeney. Is Matt Poitras still on the outside looking in? Will Brunet-McAvoy be a pair this season? What did you think about early line combinations? Which players need to be worried about losing their spots?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 607: James Hagens joins the show, dominates prospects showcase
James Hagens joins the show to talk about what he worked on improving this offseason, his comfortability at center and what he has to do to win a spot in Boston's lineup out of training camp. Plus, we react to Hagens six-goal performance at this weekend's Prospects Showcase in Buffalo. And what would the Bruins lines look like if Hagens is one of the Bruins' four centers?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 606: Would there be friction if Bruins named a captain?
Discussing the comments Charlie McAvoy made today about his suspension appeal, injury recovery and the Bruins' captaincy. Plus, notes from another day of captains practice including what's the latest with Matt Poitras. And, would it make sense for the Bruins to try to sign Chris Kreider?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 605: What does Minten extension mean for Zacha?
Discussing Fraser Minten's new seven-year contract extension and what it means for Pavel Zacha, Elias Lindholm and other Bruins' forwards. Plus, who was absent at the Bruins' captain practice on Tuesday.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
The Skate Pod, Ep. 604: Will Brunet, Poitras make Bruins' roster?
Discussing the comments that Frederic Brunet made this week about feeling ready to make the Bruins, his defensive growth and his friend Matt Poitras. Plus, we go through the Athletic's five-tier player rankings of NHL players and what Bruins might be missing from the list.Ā
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 603: Will Bruins Youth Be Held Back Early On?
We react to comments from Marco Sturm about making young players earn their ice time. Will James Hagens be held back early on this season? Plus, an update on Elias Lindholm, Cale Makar becomes the NHL's first $20 million man, and Jeremy Swayman and Charlie McAvoy crack the NHL's top 50 players list.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
Jump to:
2:20 - Cale Makar's record-breaking contract
7:00 - Expectations for Elias Lindholm
15:05 - Sturm's comments on making young players earn ice time
40:20 - Sturm wants a...
The Skate Pod, Ep. 602: Will Poitras be a Bruin this season?
Bruins release their national TV schedule. Which defensemen will be waived before the season? How optimistic are you that the Bruins keep Poitras?Ā
Mailbag: Would it be okay to start Poitras on 9th floor? Is DiPietro low-key the most important player next season?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
The Skate Pod, Ep. 601: Could Mark Scheifele Be a Trade Target for Bruins?
We discuss Zdeno Chara's "Final Shift," the NHL likely expanding with another Texas team, and whether the Bruins could target any of the centers in NHL Network's list of the top 20 centers. Would Mark Scheifele make sense?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
Jump to:
11:55 - Pastrnak tried to recruit Bergeron for one more year
20:55 - How involved will Chara, Bergeron be going forward?
31:15 - More NHL expansion is coming soon
39:55 - NHL Network's list of top 20 centers right now
44:20 - Would...
The Skate Pod, Ep. 600: Would Bruins not naming a captain again be a mistake?
We celebrate The Skate Pod's 600th episode with a mailbag answering your questions about the upcoming season! Plus, we react to Cam Neely's comments about the Bruins' captaincy, their announcement of a game in Germany next year and how difficult it could be for young players to win a job with a shortened preseason this year.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
The Skate Pod, Ep. 599: Which Bruin is most likely to get traded before the season?
We discuss some of the fringe roster players and ask the question: Which currently rostered player is least likely to play for the Bruins next season? Are Matt Poitras and Frederic Brunet going to be full-time players in Boston next season? And, we answer two mailbag questions involving Marat Khusnutdinov.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
The Skate Pod, Ep. 598: Can McAvoy be a top-10 defenseman?
Discussing Charlie McAvoy's ranking among NHL defensemen coming into next season. How much pressure is on Paval Zacha to preform like a top-20 center in the league? Plus, what sports trade were you most upset about? And, could we be good at any ESPN the Ocho sports?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
The Skate Pod, Ep. 597: Can Geekie Produce Away From Pastrnak? (Mailbag)
We discuss Patrice Bergeron's appearance on Spittin' Chiclets, debate where the Bruins could finish in the Atlantic Division, and then answer some listener mailbag questions. Plus: A Fashion Segment on the one Bruins jersey we would bring back.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
Jump to:
02:30 - Opening shifts: Bergeron on Spittin' Chiclets
09:05 - Where will the Bruins finish in the Atlantic?
26:35 - Remembering Bergeron in the AHL during 04-05 lockout
32:40 - Mailbag: Can Geekie produce away from Pastrnak?
47:00 - Should B...
The Skate Pod, Ep. 596: Projecting Bruins Point Totals for 2026-27
We debate some over/under point totals for Bruins players in 2026-27. Plus, where does David Pastrnak rank among NHL players entering the season? And one listener REALLY wants us to put some respect on Pavel Zacha's name.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
Jump to:
3:50 - Opening shifts: Swayman unfollows Dunks
8:15 - Where does Pastrnak rank among NHL players?
22:10 - Projecting Bruins point totals for 20256-27
56:45 - Have we disrespected Zacha???
The Skate Pod, Ep. 595: Will Poitras, Brunet get their 'runway' in NHL?
We get into the key comments from Trent Whitfield's introductory press conference including his opinion about whether DiPietro, Poitras and Brunet have outgrown Providence. Plus, what he said about whether or not the Bruins development system 'failed' Lysell and Merkulov. Is it really a big deal if Hagens plays this season on the wing? Plus, some thoughts on league news and McAvoy on the Tkachuck's Wingmen podcast.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 594: Biggest unanswered questions for Bruins still
Discussing the new coaching staff in Providence and what it could mean for player development. What are the three biggest unanswered questions for the Bruins still before the season? Plus we answer your mailbag questions about why the prospect "cupboards are bare" and more.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 593: How much pressure is on Bruins' young players this season?
Georgii Merkulov joins Fabian Lysell in Colorado. Why haven't the Bruins and Matt Poitras come to a deal yet? Jason Robertson and Patrick Kane sign new contracts.Ā
Mailbag: How worried are you the Bruins lose Zacha for nothing? How much pressure is on the younger Bruins this season?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 592: How confident are you in Bruins' current roster?
How confident are you in the Bruins' current roster? What will happen if DiPietro struggles in the NHL? What other moves are in store for the Bruins before the season starts?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 591: What to Make of Bruins' Front Office Changes
We discuss the Bruins' front office changes this week, including the addition of Kevyn Adams and the departure of Evan Gold. Plus, we break down the Bruins' 2026-27 schedule, highlighting some key games and stretches.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
The Skate Pod, Ep. 590 (Mailbag) : What should Bruins do with Lohrei, Zacha?
Mailbag: On your requests, we take a deeper dive into the situations of Lohrei, Poitras, Hagens, Letourneau and Zacha!
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
The Skate Pod, Ep. 589: How Patient Will Pastrnak Be With Bruins?
We wonder just how patient David Pastrnak will be with this Bruins retool. Would he be OK with missing the playoffs this season if young players show progress? Plus, we answer some mailbag questions about James Hagens, Matt Poitras and Frederic Brunet.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
Jump to:
02:50 - Opening shifts: Boston Fleet moving to Agganis
09:35 - Daily Faceoff ranks Bruins' top 10 prospects
15:10 - How patient will Pastrnak be with Bruins' retool?
25:25 - Would naming Pastrnak captain keep him happy?
36:35...
The Skate Pod, Ep. 588: Why Didn't Bruins Offer-Sheet Leo Carlsson?
We discuss the big story shaking up the hockey world: the Flyers' $90 million offer sheet for young Ducks star Leo Carlsson. Why didn't the Bruins do something like this? Are there more moves to come for Boston? Plus, Andrew Peeke signs with Utah for less than expected, and some leftover Bruins development camp thoughts.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 587: Did Bruins Get Better On Day 1 Of Free Agency?
We react to the Bruins' moves (and non-moves) on July 1, including their trade for Will Borgen, the return of Connor Clifton, moving on from Viktor Arvidsson, and trading away Joonas Korpisalo. Did the Bruins get better? What is the long-term vision here? Plus, ranking their defensemen in order of importance and figuring out potential opening night lines.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 586: Lysell Trade, Draft Reaction, Development Camp Day 1
Analyzing the Bruins draft selections. Goaltending comes into focus at development camp. What can the Bruins learn from the mistakes made with Fabian Lysell? More thoughts on JJ Peterka.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 585: Why Bruins Went Big For JJ Peterka
We react to the Bruins trading two first-round picks for speedy winger JJ Peterka. Did they give up too much? How will Peterka fit in Boston? What moves could be next?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
The Skate Pod, Ep. 584: Will Bruins Make A Big Move This Offseason?
We discuss Don Sweeney's pre-draft press conference, including his comments on Pavel Zacha, Viktor Arvidsson, Andrew Peeke and Elias Lindholm. Will the Bruins make a big move this offseason? Will they sell off some pieces?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
The Skate Pod, Ep. 583: Brady Tkachuk trade; Our Bruins mock offseason
Discussing the big trade that got Brady Tkachuk to Florida, the latest on the Bruins' interest in bringing back Viktor Arvidsson and some off-season moves the Bruins SHOULD NOT be in on. Plus, we talk through two versions of potential offseason moves for the Bruins in our "mock offseason" episode. Should they go all-in for Jason Robertson? Or keep to some creative, smaller additions around their lineup?
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
The Skate Pod, Ep. 582: Bruins Draft Preview with FloHockey's Chris Peters
FloHockey's Chris Peters joins us to preview the 2026 NHL Draft and what the Bruins might do at pick 23. We also discuss Patrice Bergeron getting his number retired and get Chris' take on Bruins prospects James Hagens, Dean Letourneau, Matt Poitras and Will Zellers.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
Jump to:
00:00 - Bruins retiring Patrice Bergeron's number
10:10 - What could Bruins do with pick 23?
16:32 - Why Jack Hextall could make sense for B's
20:28 - How do teams view defensemen like Lin, Villeneuve, Bleyl?<...
The Skate Pod, Ep. 581: Have Bruins mismanagedĀ goalie prospects?
Reacting to the storylines from Carolina's Stanley Cup victory and playoff run. Brandon Bussi's Stanley Cup win prompts a conversation about if the Bruins have a history of mismanaging goalie prospects. Is it time to move on from Joonas Korpisalo? Plus, where Pastrnak finished in Hart Trophy voting, Brian still wants a Jason Robertson offer sheet and the Scottish have fully taken over Boston.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @bridgetteproulx | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | Email us at skatepod@weei.comĀ
The Skate Pod, Ep. 580: How can Bruins upgrade defense?
Discussing the reporting around the Bruins' rumored new assistant coach, "trade chatter" at the combine and Larkin potentially expanding his list of teams he would go to.
Plus, we take your mailbag questions about Bruins' draft picks, the left side of the defense and more. Stick around for the listener ghost story at the end.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheSkatePod | @smclaughlin9 | @briandefelice_ | @bridgetteproulx | Email us at skatepod@weei.com
