The Boston Bruins’ 3-1 start to the 2025-26 season isn’t smoke and mirrors — it’s the result of structure, buy-in, and leadership under Marco Sturm.
Host Ian McLaren breaks down why Boston’s early success looks real this time:

David Pastrňák’s takeover as the team’s emotional and on-ice leader.

Improved special teams driving momentum in key moments.

Depth scoring that’s finally supporting the top line.

Jeremy Swayman’s rebound form anchoring the group.

Ian also ranks the Atlantic Division through two weeks — with Boston sitting second behind Florida — and previews a tough three-game road swing through Vegas, Colorado, and Utah.

Are the Bruins turning the page on last year’s chaos? Or just teasing fans again?
Find out why this version of the Bruins looks built to last on Locked On Boston Bruins — Your Team, Every Day.

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In this episode of Locked On Bruins, host Ian McLaren analyzes the Boston Bruins' first loss of the season to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite the 4-3 defeat, McLaren highlights positive takeaways, including the team's resilience in battling back from a three-goal deficit. He discusses key performances from players like David Pastrnak, Casey Mittelstadt, and Jordan Harris, while also addressing areas for improvement such as reducing turnovers. McLaren compares the current roster to past seasons, suggesting potential for a playoff push. The episode concludes with a look at upcoming challenging games against Vegas, Colorado, and Utah, as well as promising developments from Providence Bruins prospects like Fabian Lysell.

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Fraser Minten’s overtime goal wasn’t just a highlight — it was a statement about what kind of team the 2025-26 Boston Bruins want to be.

Through two games, head coach Marco Sturm has his group playing with structure, purpose, and edge. The Bruins are 2-0 to start the season, and even this early, they just feel different.

Host Ian McLaren breaks down all the key takeaways from Boston’s 4-3 OT win over the Chicago Blackhawks, including:

How Fraser Minten, Tanner Jeannot, and Mikey Eyssimont are setting the tone on the Bruins’ new third line

Why Elias Lindholm’s early chemistry with David Pastrňák is sparking both the top six and the power play

What’s working inside Marco Sturm’s structured, defense-first system

How Jeremy Swayman and Joonas Korpisalo are giving Boston stability in goal

And what to expect in Saturday’s home matchup against the Buffalo Sabres

It’s early, but the signs of transformation are real — the Bruins are starting to look like a team with identity, buy-in, and belief again.

🎧 Locked On Boston Bruins — Your Team. Every Day.

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The Marco Sturm era in Boston is officially underway — and it started exactly how he drew it up.
The Boston Bruins defeated the Washington Capitals 3–1 on opening night behind David Pastrňák’s three-point performance and a 35-save gem from Jeremy Swayman. Host Ian McLaren breaks down how Sturm’s system shined, with defensive layers, blocked shots, and disciplined special teams leading the way.

In today’s episode:

• How the Bruins executed Sturm’s defensive-first identity
• Why Jeremy Swayman was Boston’s backbone (and early MVP candidate)
• David Pastrňák and Elias Lindholm showing instant chemistry
• The role of structure, sacrifice, and special teams in the win

Plus, a full preview of the home opener vs. Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks

🎧 Tune in to Locked On Boston Bruins for daily game recaps, stats breakdowns, and insight into Marco Sturm’s new system —
Your Team. Every Day.

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It’s Opening Night for the Boston Bruins — and this season feels like a toss up.
Host Ian McLaren breaks down both sides of the coin:
✅ Why the Bruins can return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs — including a Vesna-level Jeremy Swayman, a healthy blue line led by McAvoy and Lindholm, and Marco Sturm’s renewed defensive structure.
🚫 And why they might not — lingering scoring depth issues, a brutal Atlantic Division, and a “grit-over-skill” roster philosophy that could limit offense.

Plus: the team’s new alternate captains, Opening Night preview vs. Washington, and Bruin of the Day: Justin Brazeau lighting it up for Pittsburgh.

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The Boston Bruins are embracing a new identity under head coach Marco Sturm — one built on structure, accountability, and, as Cam Neely put it, “a little piss and vinegar.”

Ian McLaren breaks down the key takeaways from the Bruins’ start-of-season press conference:

• Why Don Sweeney says this team will “play the players that are playing the best.”
• How Fraser Minten earned the 3C job and reshaped the lineup.
• What Zdeno Chara’s mentorship means for the leadership group.
• And how Boston plans to win tight, physical 2-1 games with defense, special teams, and grit.

Plus: the front office’s faith in the fanbase, and why the pressure to perform in Boston never goes away.

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The Boston Bruins have made their final roster decisions — and they’re choosing grit over skill once again. Jeffrey Viel beats out Matej Blümel and Matthew Poitras for the last forward spot, signaling Marco Sturm and Don Sweeney’s commitment to a heavy, hard-to-play-against identity heading into the 2025-26 NHL season.

Host Ian McLaren breaks down what Viel’s inclusion means for Boston’s lineup philosophy, the ripple effects for Poitras and Blümel, and whether the Bruins risk losing scoring depth for free.

Then, Jeremy Swayman’s 30-save performance in a 4-1 preseason win over the New York Rangers proves he’s ready to anchor the team’s redemption campaign. We also highlight Nikita Zadorov’s two goals, Fraser Minten’s breakout play, and the new Bruins defensive pairings featuring Mason Lohrei, Charlie McAvoy, and Hampus Lindholm.

Finally, we zoom out to the big question: Is this a redemption story or a repeat of last year’s struggles? Can Marco Sturm’s structured system and Don Sweeney’s roster philosophy coexist with the offensive creativity Boston needs to compete in 2025-26?

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David Pastrnak has been left out of the NHL’s Top 10 player rankings again — sitting at No. 11 despite leading the league in goals over the past three seasons. 

Host Ian McLaren breaks down why Pastrnak deserves Top 5 recognition, reacts to Charlie McAvoy being ranked 38th and Jeremy Swayman 85th, and recaps the Boston Bruins’ 3-1 preseason win over the Washington Capitals. 

Brett Harrison scored twice in his debut, Joonas Korpisalo stopped 33 of 34 shots, and Don Sweeney announced new roster cuts as the team gets closer to opening night.

Locked On Boston Bruins is your daily podcast for analysis, reactions, and all the latest news on the Black and Gold — part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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In this episode of Locked on Boston Bruins, host Ian McLaren analyzes the Atlantic Division's landscape for the upcoming NHL season. He predicts the top four teams as Tampa Bay, Florida, Toronto, and Montreal, discussing their strengths and recent changes. McLaren explores the challenges facing the Bruins in climbing the standings, highlighting the need for improved secondary scoring, goaltending, and defensive play. He examines the team's roster changes and the potential impact of young players. The podcast also covers recent comments from coach Marco Sturm on the expectations for rookies and touches on upcoming roster decisions, with a focus on waiver-exempt players and the final preseason games.

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