SportsHockeyNewsSports News

Poke the Bear

Conor Ryan

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.

Play

Open in

22 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 42 min
English

Episodes 22

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Wednesday · 46 min
Should the Bruins pursue Nikita Kucherov?
The Boston Bruins remain atop the Atlantic Division after a shootout win over the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Monday. Ty Anderson joins Conor Ryan for another episode of Poke the Bear. They kick off the show by taking a look at the Bruins' new Hometown Remix sweaters. Then, the guys get into Boston's shootout win over the Golden Knights and their next matchup against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. After the break, Conor and Ty discuss a potential pursuit of Nikita Kucherov, after the Lightning star requested a trade. Would he be a good fit in Boston? Does it even matter? Should the Bruins make Tampa an offer or wait until he hits free agency on July 1? Would he be worth the money? How would a move like this affect the Bruins’ young core? The guys break it all down on another insightful episode of Poke the Bear. The CLNS Media Network is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 30 · 43 min
Why Bruins Should AVOID a Dylan Larkin Trade
Connor Ryan and Ty Anderson break down what went wrong in the Bruins’ ugly loss to the Blues and whether Marco Sturm needs to shake up Boston’s struggling top six. The guys debate reuniting Morgan Geekie with David Pastrnak, whether Pavel Zacha’s line has run its course and which Bruins stars need to take more ownership offensively. Then they dig into the Dylan Larkin trade saga, why Boston should be careful about overpaying for a good player who may not be the missing piece, and whether the Bruins should hold their assets for a bigger star. Plus, Connor and Ty discuss the NHL’s growing no-trade clause problem and whether Casey Mittelstadt has played his way from potential trade chip to extension candidate. 0:00 Intro 0:49 Why the Bruins Can’t Afford Nights Like This 3:59 Does Marco Sturm Need to Break Up the Top Six? 8:34 Bruins Stars Need to Take Ownership 15:01 PrizePicks 16:13 Should the Bruins Trade for Dylan Larkin? 23:11 Should Boston Wait for a Bigger Star? 27:09 Are No-Trade Clauses Hurting the NHL? 30:15 Should the Bruins Extend Casey Mittelstadt? 39:14 Final Thoughts 40:34 Outro The CLNS Media Network is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks! New users, download the app today and use code CLNS to get $25 instantly in Packs after you rip your first $5 Pack! That’s code CLNS to get $25 instantly in Packs after you rip your first $5 Pack! 18+ in eligible areas. Terms apply. Collect responsibly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 28 · 52 min
INSTANT REACTION: Bruins Lose to Hurricanes 2-1
On this live episode of Poke The Bear Conor Ryan and Evan Marinofsky go live with instant reaction to the Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS to get $25 instantly in Packs after you rip your first $5 Pack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 23 · 50 min
Are our expectations for this Bruins team changing?
The Boston Bruins sit atop the Atlantic Division after an impressive 8-2-1 start to the NHL season. In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor Ryan is joined once again by Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub to discuss Boston's 6-0 win over the Nashville Predators. The guys also get into the Bruins’ promising youth movement, featuring Michael DiPietro and Frederic Brunet. Later, they take the temperature of this team amid an 8-2-1 start. How much have expectations changed after the first 11 games? Conor and Ty break it down. Don’t miss another insightful episode of Poke the Bear on CLNS! Poke the Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 in lineups instantly if you win your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 21 · 1 hr 9 min
INSTANT REACTION: Bruins Lose to Dallas Stars
On this live episode of Poke The Bear Conor Ryan and Evan Marinofsky go live with instant reaction to the Boston Bruins and Dallas Stars game. Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 18 · 27 min
Bruins Are ROLLING with Their Youth Movement
Conor Ryan reacts to the Bruins’ five-game winning streak after sweeping the Ducks and Kings on their West Coast trip. He breaks down why Boston’s young core has completely changed the outlook of the team, with Fraser Minten, James Hagens, Frederic Brunet and Matt Poitras all making immediate impacts alongside the Bruins’ established stars. Conor also looks at Jeremy Swayman’s strong start, Michael DiPietro earning his first NHL win and the depth that continues to step up across the lineup. Plus, he discusses Marco Sturm’s impressive start behind the bench, the decision to scratch Nikita Zadorov and why Boston’s combination of young talent and veteran leadership is creating legitimate excitement about both this season and the Bruins’ long-term future. 0:00 Intro 0:46 Bruins Sweep West Coast & Win Five Straight 2:23 Bruins Young Core Driving Early Success 5:35 How High Can Boston’s Ceiling Go? 7:20 Fraser Minten, James Hagens & Frederic Brunet 8:32 Bruins-Ducks Takeaways & Michael DiPietro 9:50 Bruins Depth Continues to Step Up 11:24 PrizePicks 13:10 Bruins Take Care of Business vs. Kings 14:29 Young Bruins Leading the Way at 5-on-5 16:44 Marco Sturm’s Impact 17:54 Nikita Zadorov Scratched 19:03 Sturm’s Lineup Adjustments Pay Off 20:36 Boston’s Young Players Keep Earning Bigger Roles 22:10 Bruins’ Long-Term Outlook 23:20 Final Thoughts 24:13 Outro The CLNS Media Network is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 16 · 32 min
Fraser Minten is Looking Like a FRANCHISE Player for Bruins
Poke the Bear hosts Evan Marinofsky and Conor Ryan react to the Bruins’ 6-3 win over the Sharks and Boston’s offensive surge to start the season. The guys break down Charlie McAvoy’s return, what his presence means for the Bruins’ defensive pairings and why Frederic Brunet continues to make a strong case to stay in the lineup. They also dive into Fraser Minten’s breakout start, his ceiling as a top-six center and whether he could become an even bigger piece of Boston’s future than expected. Later, Evan and Conor discuss the Bruins’ improving young core, the Maple Leafs trade fallout and encouraging starts from prospects including Will Zellers, Dean Letourneau and Chris Pelosi. 0:00 Intro 0:26 Bruins Schedule & NHL Frozen Frenzy 5:12 Bruins Beat Sharks & Offense Keeps Rolling 6:35 Charlie McAvoy Returns 9:14 Frederic Brunet Continues to Impress 11:48 PrizePicks 13:32 Fraser Minten’s Breakout 19:11 How High Is Minten’s Ceiling? 20:17 Maple Leafs Trade Fallout 22:14 Bruins’ Young Center Depth 23:53 Bruins Prospects Start Hot 27:43 Boston’s Prospect Pipeline & What Could Have Been 29:07 Final Thoughts & Outro The CLNS Media Network is Powered by: 💰 Prize Picks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 9 · 42 min
Should Bruins PAY UP for Simon Edvinsson?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Ty discuss the Bruins' 6-1 win over the Mammoth, as well as the latest trade rumors with Simon Edvinsson. 0:00 Intro 0:59 Bruins Bounce Back vs. Utah 4:03 Bruins Special Teams & Power Play 8:43 Young Bruins Step Up 13:28 PrizePicks 15:05 Frederic Brunet & Bruins Youth Development 18:04 Bruins Trade Rumors & Detroit Targets 26:13 Dylan Larkin, Prospects & Trade Packages 32:57 Pavel Zacha & Bruins Trade Strategy 37:09 Final Thoughts & Outro Bruins on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 8 · 41 min
Bruins Veterans Need to Step Up after Ottawa Loss
After a 2-2-0 start to the season following a 4-1 loss to the Senators, the Bruins will look to bounce back against the Utah Mammoth at home Thursday night. In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor Ryan is joined once again by Evan Marinofsky to discuss the lackluster play of Boston's veterans, Wednesday's lineup reshuffle, and the latest trade rumors regarding Pavel Zacha. They start with the loss to Ottawa. What went wrong? What needs to change if this team wants to take a step forward from last season? After the break, they discuss a recent report claiming that the Bruins discussed moving Zacha, and the two parties ‘haven’t been close’ on agreeing to an extension. Could Zacha be on the move? What’s his trade value? Will he and the Bruins come to an agreement? The guys break it down. Don’t miss another insightful episode of Poke the Bear! Poke the Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 in lineups instantly if you win your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
October 5 · 31 min
Discussing the good and bad from Bruins' first road trip
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor breaks down the good and bad from the Bruins 1-1 road trip against the Jets and Wild. Bruins on CLNS Media is Powered by: On Kalshi, you’re trading against peers in a live market — meaning there’s no house. And as the probability changes, you can buy in and out of your position. Trade the draft pick, the game, and more on Kalshi Download Kalshi. Use code CLNS to get $25 when you trade $25. K-A-L-S-H-I. Kalshi. Trade What’s Next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 30 · 36 min
Bruins get off to an encouraging start in season-opening win
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan discuss the Bruins' season-opening win over the Rangers, and the play of Fraser Minten and JJ Peterka. Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: Kalshi — On Kalshi, you’re trading against peers in a live market — meaning there’s no house. And as the probability changes, you can buy in and out of your position. Trade the draft pick, the game, and more on Kalshi! Download Kalshi. Use code CLNS to get $25 when you trade $25. K-A-L-S-H-I. Kalshi. Trade What’s Next. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information, see kalshi.com/regulatory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 27 · 1 hr 13 min
Bruins season preview: Should Boston target Kirill Marchenko?
The NHL regular season kicks off on Tuesday, Sept 29 and the Boston Bruins will host the New York Rangers at TD Garden. Despite the season fast approaching, Boston is interested in adding to their roster. Reports indicate the Bruins are interested in Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko. Marchenko, who reportedly requested a trade from the team, has several NHL suitors. In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Ty break down the rumors surrounding Marchenko and the Bruins. Is he a good fit for the Bruins? Do they need a player like him? What would he bring to the top six? What would the Bruins have to give up to get him? They also dive into Boston's preseason finale against Columbus and recap the preseason as a whole. Who stood out? Who has surprised us? Conor and Ty wrap up by evaluating the roster and previewing a new season of hockey. 00:00 Intro 03:20 Thoughts on the preseason 16:45 Kalshi 18:18 Other notes from preseason + what the Bruins need to add to the roster 23:13 Kirill Marchenko rumors 45:28 Evaluating the current roster 1:02:14 Final roster predictions 1:04:54 Thanks for watching! Poke the Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: Kalshi — On Kalshi, you’re trading against peers in a live market — meaning there’s no house. And as the probability changes, you can buy in and out of your position. Trade the draft pick, the game, and more on Kalshi! Download Kalshi. Use code CLNS to get $25 when you trade $25. K-A-L-S-H-I. Kalshi. Trade What’s Next. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 25 · 42 min
INSTANT REACTION: Bruins Fall 2-0 to Flyers in Preseason Game
Conor Ryan and Evan Marinofsky go live to react to the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers preseason game tonight and discuss their top takeaways and notable performances from tonight's game as well as training camp. Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: Kalshi — On Kalshi, you’re trading against peers in a live market — meaning there’s no house. And as the probability changes, you can buy in and out of your position. Trade the draft pick, the game, and more on Kalshi! Download Kalshi. Use code CLNS to get $25 when you trade $25. K-A-L-S-H-I. Kalshi. Trade What’s Next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 18 · 32 min
What stood out at start of Bruins training camp?
Conor Ryan goes solo on Poke the Bear to break down the biggest takeaways from the Bruins’ first training camp practice. Conor starts with James Hagens and Boston’s young forward group, including the early look at Hagens alongside Fraser Minten and Marat Khusnutdinov and why giving the Bruins’ young players meaningful opportunities will be crucial this season. He also dives into Frederic Brunet opening camp next to Charlie McAvoy and why Brunet’s skating, puck movement and transition game could make him an intriguing fit on Boston’s blue line. Later, Conor examines the Bruins’ top six, David Pastrnak’s early line combination with Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie, and whether Fraser Minten could eventually be an option alongside Pastrnak. Plus, he discusses Boston’s captaincy decision, Nikita Zadorov’s dark-horse case, and the latest on Pavel Zacha’s contract talks and uncertain long-term future with the Bruins. 0:00 Intro 2:43 James Hagens & the Bruins’ Young Line 8:55 Frederic Brunet’s Opportunity With Charlie McAvoy 14:49 PrizePicks 16:16 David Pastrnak & Bruins Top-Six Lines 19:00 Pavel Zacha, Casey Mittelstadt & JJ Peterka 21:32 Bruins Captaincy & Nikita Zadorov 22:20 Pavel Zacha’s Contract Situation 25:36 Training Camp Takeaways & Outro Bruins on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 17 · 40 min
Bruins Will Name a Captain and Training Camp Preview
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan discuss Boston's plan to name a captain and talk about the top storylines to follow during training camp. 0:00 - Coming up 1:16 - Welcome in! 3:54 - Don Sweeney says Bruins will announce Captain before the season 10:57 - Latest on potential contract talks with Pavel Zacha and Bruins 17:22 - Prizepicks 19:14 - Latest on potential contract talks with Pavel Zacha and Bruins 24:05 - Will Bruins give younger players chance to grow this season? 30:02 - Should Bruins trade for Kirill Marchenko? 36:07 - Wrapping up! Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 in lineups instantly if you win your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 10 · 31 min
What does future hold for Matt Poitras with Boston Bruins? | Poke The Bear
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan discuss the latest report on Chris Kreider, Hampus Lindholm's health, and what's next for Matt Poitras. 0:00 - Coming up 2:09 - Welcome in 3:40 - Bruins Broadcast team get extensions 5:15 - Expectations for Hampus Lindholm 9:38 - Should Bruins sign Chris Kreider 17:46 - Prizepicks 19:53 - Future of Matt Poitras with Bruins 26:54 - Subscribe to the Podcast! 27:32 - Wrapping up! Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 in lineups instantly if you win your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 9 · 37 min
Should the Bruins Sign Chris Kreider?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan discuss Marco Sturm and Elias Lindholm's comments at the Bruins' golf tournament, as well as the chances of Boston signing Chris Kreider. 0:00 - Coming up! 1:25 - Welcome in 3:50 - Reaction to Marco Sturm’s comments at Bruins Golf Tournament 12:59 - Prizepicks 14:48 - Reaction to Elias Lindholm’s comments at Bruins Golf Tournament 19:31 - Should Bruins sign Chris Kreider? 33:45 - Wrapping up! Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 in lineups instantly if you win your first $5 lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 4 · 53 min
What do you want to see from the Bruins during training camp?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor Ryan and Ty Anderson look ahead to Bruins training camp and break down some of the biggest questions facing Boston as the preseason approaches. The guys discuss the expectations surrounding JJ Peterka, where he could fit in the Bruins’ lineup, and how Boston can put its new forward in the best position to produce offensively. They also take a closer look at Michael DiPietro and why his ability to establish himself as a dependable backup behind Jeremy Swayman could be crucial over a long season. Plus, Conor and Ty discuss Frederic Brunet’s opportunity to push for an NHL role, what the young defenseman could bring to Boston’s blue line, and why the Bruins need to give their younger players room to develop through mistakes. They also examine Boston’s crowded defensive depth chart and the roster decisions that could be coming during camp. 0:00 Intro 2:30 Bruins Training Camp Expectations 8:45 JJ Peterka & Boston’s Forward Lines 18:46 PrizePicks 20:26 Michael DiPietro & Bruins Goaltending 32:55 Trusting Boston’s Young Players 35:24 Frederic Brunet’s Opportunity 44:12 Bruins Defensive Logjam 48:55 Final Thoughts & Outro Bruins on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 3 · 39 min
Who will be Bruins' next big fish with Robert Thomas staying in St. Louis?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor and Evan discuss Elias Lindholm, Frederic Brunet, and who will be Boston's most sought-after target now that Robert Thomas has been named captain in St. Louis? 0:00 - Coming up! 1:11 - Welcome in! 4:45 - Expectations for Elias Lindholm this season 17:23 - Prizepicks 19:16 - Expectations for Frederic Brunet this season 27:20 - Subscribe to the podcast! 29:35 - Who will be next Bruins dream trade target? 35:33 - Wrapping up Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 28 · 36 min
Will Marco Sturm Give Bruins Younger Players a Fair Shake this Camp?
In this episode of Poke The Bear, Conor Ryan and Ty Anderson discuss Evan Marinofsky’s interview with Marco Sturm on Bruins Beat! WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MARCO STURM: https://youtu.be/j8yFMtePQvg They also discuss the ongoing debate over the Bruins' next captain and make the case why the Bruins should name Charlie McAvoy captain and why they should name David Pastrnak captain. 0:00 - Coming up! 1:04 - Welcome in! 2:03 - Reaction to Marco Sturm’s Interview on Bruins Beat -Watch Interview: https://youtu.be/j8yFMtePQvg 19:06 - Prizepicks 20:25 - Do the Bruins need to name a Captain this season? 23:24 - Who should be Bruins captain this season? 31:27 - Wrapping up! Poke The Bear on CLNS Media is Powered by: 💰 PrizePicks - Sign up at http://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS & Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $150 instantly in Lineups if you win your first $5 Lineup! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes