Poke the Bear

Hockey #63

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.

What are Bruins Draft Options with the 7th pick?
May 7, 2025 – 47:32
Which prospects could Bruins target in NHL Draft?
May 3, 2025 – 58:15
What to expect from NHL Draft Lottery?
May 2, 2025 – 43:25
Can Bruins' Top Brass be Trusted This Offseason?
Apr 26, 2025 – 01:06:43
Breaking down the Bruins' Breakup Day
Apr 18, 2025 – 53:07
The Bruins' 2024-25 season has finally ended
Apr 16, 2025 – 54:28
What will the Bruins do at the center position this summer?
Apr 13, 2025 – 45:10
Should David Pastrnak win the Hart Trophy?
Apr 11, 2025 – 30:07
The Bruins Need to Shift Their Identity in 2025 and Beyond
Apr 5, 2025 – 46:21
Bruins are Putting Themselves in Play for a Top-5 Pick
Apr 2, 2025 – 40:56
Time for Bruins fans to root for Brad Marchand and Panthers?
Mar 29, 2025 – 57:38
Could John Tortorella be the next Bruins head coach?
Mar 28, 2025 – 31:55
It's time for The Bruins to Give Fabian Lysell a Shot
Mar 22, 2025 – 01:02:21
Should the Bruins target Mitch Marner this offseason?
Mar 19, 2025 – 34:01
“Go Down Swinging”
Mar 15, 2025 – 56:55
Could the Bruins make the playoffs even after selling?
Mar 13, 2025 – 34:41
It’s not a Rebuild…It’s a Retool:
Mar 9, 2025 – 56:56
Why the Bruins might opt for a more aggressive sell-off
Mar 6, 2025 – 41:33
David Pastrnak is Bruins only bright spot
Feb 28, 2025 – 25:16
Bruins Implode Against Maple Leafs
Feb 26, 2025 – 37:09
What can USA hockey do to beat Canada moving forward?
Feb 22, 2025 – 44:38
Is the Bruins' season over following McAvoy injury?
Feb 19, 2025 – 29:23
Will the Bruins trade/extend/hold onto these players?
Feb 14, 2025 – 47:49
Marchand impresses in 4 Nations Face-Off debut
Feb 14, 2025 – 32:21
What is the Bruins’ ideal deadline move?
Feb 7, 2025 – 52:19
What to make of Sweeney’s deadline comments
Feb 7, 2025 – 37:54
Time for the Bruins to make some decisions
Feb 1, 2025 – 59:42
We're about ready to write off the Bruins
Jan 29, 2025 – 41:09
Can the Bruins retool … and still make the playoffs?
Jan 25, 2025 – 45:46
Which players could Bruins move in a retool?
Jan 22, 2025 – 40:06
Will the Bruins’ front office accept a retool?
Jan 18, 2025 – 50:28
What to make of Cam Neely’s deadline comments?
Jan 17, 2025 – 42:40
It’s time for the Bruins to make a move w/ Ty Anderson
Jan 10, 2025 – 50:37
Should the Bruins just accept a retool?
Jan 8, 2025 – 40:27
Bruins can’t buy a goal these days
Jan 4, 2025 – 44:24
Are we changing our predictions for Bruins in 2025?
Jan 2, 2025 – 36:25
Bruins return from break with stinker against Blue Jackets
Dec 28, 2024 – 37:25
Was Bruins’ dominance of Caps best win of season?
Dec 27, 2024 – 30:45
Bruins spoil a strong performance in Edmonton
Dec 20, 2024 – 28:37
Bruins bounce back in Calgary
Dec 19, 2024 – 33:11
Bruins Mailbag Special!
Dec 14, 2024 – 46:10
Bruins take another step back in Winnipeg
Dec 12, 2024 – 32:51
What to make of Bruins’ 3-game win streak?
Dec 6, 2024 – 48:18
Are the Bruins turning a corner under Sacco?
Dec 5, 2024 – 36:25
What should Bruins fans be thankful for this season?
Nov 29, 2024 – 43:37
When Will the Bruins Start Scoring Again?
Nov 27, 2024 – 39:25
Did the Bruins make the right call moving on from Montgomery? w/ Ty Anderson
Nov 22, 2024 – 42:42
Where do Joe Sacco and the Bruins Go From Here?
Nov 21, 2024 – 35:01
Are the 2024-25 Bruins just… bad?
Nov 15, 2024 – 51:45
Hampus Lindholm’s injury is bad news for Bruins
Nov 14, 2024 – 33:21

Recent Reviews

B-dubb87

Terrible

I can’t stand listening to this guys terrible takes and stupid theories. I think the worst part of this show is listening to the host sniffing every other sentence. All I can picture is a little kid that doesn’t know how to blow their nose and just trying to talk through it and wiping their nose with their bare hand. Blow your nose dude! Or use the mute button so we don’t have to listen to your disgusting noises
CONNOR#84🤑

POKE THE BEAR

Conor is a great reporter who is taking it to a next level.267 episodes are amazing 🤩 as well and you can beet Conor.
lip91688

Take a shot

Take a shot every time these 2 say “ again” you won’t make it 5 mins: my god
Beck3037

Bruins Focused

After trying out several “Bruins” podcasts, this is my favorite. The hosts stay on topic, don’t get into the weeds with mindless banter. Once in a while they hypothesize, but mostly stay current on actual B’s topics - questions and issues that a lot of B fans are thinking.
Person5262838483615

Always great commentary from these guys

Conor and Evan always have very valid things to say about the bruins. Love your guys’ coverage on CLNS, keeps me entertained through the boring off-season. There’s plenty of things to talk about out there nonetheless, always good speculation, keep up the good work!
Red Samson

The most informed Bruins podcast

Conor is so on top of things and super funny. He’s a must-listen if you’re a Bruins fan.
"Nicknames are dumb" was taken

Well worth it

Not only is Conor easily the best reporter on the Bruins beat, he's hilarious.
fusion frenzy

Great host

The perfect voice to host a Boston hockey pod
Hardcore B's Fan

Poke The Bear

A real local guy talking about the B’s. Doesn’t get better than that.
mwcallahan

Perfect pod for diehahd Bruins fans

Conor is the best!! Here are two reasons you should give this a listen: 1) he’s a top expert on the Bruins, the NHL and hockey in general and 2) that Boston accent - worth its weight in gold. Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Congrats on the awesome new podcast!!