The Perfection Pod: A show about the Boston Bruins

Joe and Fluto discuss the NHL entering Phase 2 of its return-to-play plan with Bruins players and staff starting to work their way back onto the ice, and the guys discuss expectations for Zdeno Chara's return after the NESN documentary on his 1000th game, before welcoming Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy back to the show. Bruce chats about players getting back to practice and preparations for training camp when the NHL is ready to enter Phase 3, the restrictions on goaltending coaches and how the Bruins will approach the playoffs with Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak, as well as his thoughts on the 24-team playoff format and when the team will start to prepare for specific opponents. Plus, with the ongoing pandemic and the protests across the country over the weekend, Bruce discusses how he's approaching the conversation about recent events with his family.

Joe and Fluto check in after the long weekend with reaction to the NHL's latest release of information about its Phased Return to Sport Protocol, before welcoming in former Bruin, Marc Savard. The guys discuss some of the issues relating to a transition back onto the ice, and how some of the suggested solutions could impact the Bruins players and coaching staff. Then, Blues assistant coach Marc Savard joins the show to chat about his time in Boston and having his Bruins tenure cut short by concussions, as well as how his recovery allowed him to return to hockey in a coaching role with the Blues. Marc also offers some insight on the Bruins powerplay, his thoughts on the NHL's efforts to return to play, and how the extended time off could affect some of the players.

Joe and Fluto reemerge from the weekend and discuss the latest on the NHL's efforts to return to play, as well as Fluto's piece on the Bruins powerplay success, before welcoming in Hall of Famer and Bruins legend Ray Bourque (12:14). Ray discusses how his foundation is finding ways to support first responders during difficult times (15:22), his thoughts on the NHL's efforts to resume play and how the Bruins were trending heading into the playoffs (19:26), as well as his own experience winning the Stanley Cup in Colorado (23:19) and the emotions of the trade from Boston (24:37). Plus, Ray weighs in on Torey Krug's impact on the Bruins and the importance of re-signing him this offseason (28:17).

For more information on the Bourque Family Foundation, visit: www.bourquefamilyfoundation.org

Straight to the point this week - Joe and Fluto welcome in Bruins analyst and former Bruin Andy Brickley to chat about the anniversary of the 1970 team and the impact it had on him as a kid growing up in the city. Andy also talks about meeting his idol, Johnny Bucyk, and some of his favorite memories with the Chief, as well as his thoughts on the NHL's options for attempting a return to play, and some of the issues involved with multiple potential scenarios. Plus, Joe and Fluto chat about Tuukka Rask's comments about the end of his next contract, and what lies ahead for him.

Joe and Fluto get a chance to react to some real news with Jaroslav Halak signing a one-year extension with the Bruins over the weekend. The guys discuss the benefits of getting the deal done now, early projections for next year's salary cap, then welcome in former Bruins goaltender and NESN analyst Andrew Raycroft to chat about the deal, and what Halak has meant for the Bruins goaltending stability. Plus, Andrew discusses how goaltenders will handle a potential return to play after so much time off, relives his playing days coming up as a young Bruins goalie, and his move into the media post-retirement.

Billy, Joe and Fluto get right down to business and welcome in former Bruin and current Penguins assistant coach Mark Recchi to chat about recent reuniting of the 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team. The guys chat about getting to re-watch his final game nearly 10 years later, as well as some of his fondest memories about his time in Boston and how he's staying in contact with that team. Mark also discusses being traded to Boston late in his career and the decision to play one more year after losing in 2010, as well as some of the standouts from the 2011 team who have a shot at joining him in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Billy, Joe and Fluto reconvene to take a big picture look at the game and what each would change if they were commissioner for a day. With Fluto revisiting the Charlie Coyle trade later this week, the guys discuss what it's meant for the Bruins, then P-Bruins head coach Jay Leach joins the show to chat about the development of Bruins prospects like Jack Studnicka, Trent Frederic, and Dan Vladar, as well as his own improvement as a coach.

Bruins forward Chris Wagner joins Billy, Joe and Fluto to chat about how he's spending the time off and the tragic loss of former Bruin Colby Cave. Chris reflects on his season before the pause and trying to find consistency on the Bruins fourth line, the Bruins locker room bond and what he's learned from veterans like David Krejci, as well as some insight into the art of hitting and some of the biggest hits he's thrown and received over the past year. Plus, Chris details the impact his family has had on his hockey career, and what it means to sign a three-year extension with his hometown Bruins.

Start your free trial at The Athletic by going to theathletic.com/perfectionpod. Right now, our listeners get 40% off an annual subscription.

Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy joins Billy, Joe and Fluto for a lengthy chat about how he's handling the postponed NHL season, impressions of some of the Bruins prospects like Jack Studnicka, and how he's staying prepared for the possibility of a return to play. Plus, Butch discusses Charlie Coyle's growth into a key player for the Bruins, his evolution as a coach and learning to connect with players, as well as his own journey to the NHL during his pro career.

Start your free trial at The Athletic by going to theathletic.com/perfectionpod. Right now, our listeners get 40% off an annual subscription.

Billy, Joe and Fluto chat about what would have been for the Bruins at this point in the season and hand out the unofficial 7th Player Award to the player who exceeded expectations this year. Former Bruin and current TSN analyst Dave Poulin joins the show to reminisce about his time with Boston, including finding out he was being traded by the Flyers, joining Ray Bourque and Cam Neely in a dressing room full of leadership, playoff memories with the Bruins and reaching the Stanley Cup Final three times, as well as his thoughts on Patrice Bergeron as a former Selke Trophy winner and playing against Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky in their primes.

Start your free trial at The Athletic by going to theathletic.com/perfectionpod. Right now, our listeners get 40% off an annual subscription.