Episodes
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...
Published 06/01/20
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...
Published 05/26/20
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...
Published 05/18/20
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...
Published 05/11/20
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...
Published 05/05/20
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...
Published 04/27/20
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.
Published 04/20/20
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...
Published 04/14/20
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...
Published 04/06/20
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...
Published 03/30/20
Award season! Billy, Joe and Fluto set up the week and chat about the latest surrounding COVID-19's impact on everyday live. With The Athletic publishing its 2019-20 NHL regular season awards, the guys debate the Hart, Norris, Calder and Vezina Trophies, and discuss the Bruins version of each. Plus, Billy caught up with former Bruins forward Noel Acciari to chat about his transition in Florida and his thoughts on David Pastrnak's season. Start your free trial at The Athletic by going to...
Published 03/23/20
Billy, Joe and Fluto bring you a bonus episode of The Perfection Pod this week to chat about the latest news surrounding the COVID-19 stoppage and their level of optimism over the NHL resuming play this season. With the Bruins signing goaltending prospect Jeremy Swayman to an entry-level deal, the guys discuss the goaltending pipeline developing within the organization, as well as Joe's piece on Bruce Cassidy and how he's handling life at home with his wife, Julie. Plus, Hurricanes...
Published 03/20/20
The Perfection Pod returns to twice weekly while the NHL season is on pause during COVID-19. Billy, Joe and Fluto discuss the impact of the pandemic across the world, and the odds of seeing the NHL season cancelled for good. With the Bruins in position to win the President's Trophy before the stoppage, the guys discuss what a lost season would mean for the Bruins competitive window, and how it could impact the future of a veteran core. Plus, Fluto shares how some of the Bruins will be keeping...
Published 03/16/20
Billy, Joe and Fluto look back at a wild weekend in Boston and a fight-filled affair with the Lightning, including the Bruins showing the ability to respond to physical play and some of the positives they showed against Tampa in a potential playoff preview. The guys continue to dissect the impact of Nick Ritchie and Ondřej Kaše and what they've shown in their short time as Bruins, look ahead to Connor Clifton's eventual return from injury and how it affects John Moore's lineup spot, and a...
Published 03/09/20
Hockey Hall of Famer Dave Andreychuk joins this week! Billy, Joe and Fluto discuss the Bruins 2-0-0 start to the road trip, including statement wins against the Stars and Islanders after some uncharacteristic play coming out of the Western road trip The guys discuss Charlie McAvoy and the Bruins defence being activated, David Pastrnak's continuing to play at an elite level, as well as a check-in on Bruins prospect Jeremy Swayman at Maine. Plus, former Bruin and current Lightning VP of...
Published 03/02/20
Billy, Joe and Fluto dive deep into the Bruins activity at the trade deadline, and if the team improved on paper by acquiring Nick Ritchie and Ondřej Kaše from the Ducks for Danton Heinen. The guys discuss what the older Ritchie brother can provide in size, as well as the element Kase adds on the backend and if there is a concern about a lack of physicality. Plus, projecting the lineup with the new additions, and how do the recent deals impact the Bruins ability to re-sign Torey Krug.
Published 02/25/20
Billy, Joe and Fluto convene in the midst of a 9-1-0 stretch for the Bruins coming out of the All-Star break, and what's been working well for Bruce Cassidy after some up-and-down play earlier in the season. The guys discuss how internal competition has resulted in a level of desperation throughout the lineup, the impact Charlie Coyle has had since the Bruins acquired him, and if the Lightning's trade for Blake Coleman affects Don Sweeney's plans for the trade deadline. Plus, the guys go...
Published 02/17/20
Billy, Joe and Fluto take stock after a 5-1 stretch for the Bruins coming out of the All-Star break, including which players have impressed the most since the start of the second half, and how Jake DeBrusk is using unique stick technology to find success. The guys debate Jeremy Lauzon's suspension for his hit to the head of Derek Stepan, discuss Zdeno Chara's role after yet another milestone achievement, and look ahead to a quiet start to the week against Montreal in an old rivalry that could...
Published 02/10/20
Billy, Joe and Fluto discuss takeaways coming off two straight wins for the Bruins post-All Star, including Bruce Cassidy's lineup tinkering and some of the Bruins depth options auditioning for jobs. The guys discuss positive signs from Par Lindholm and Anton Blidh, Sean Kuraly being held out of the lineup, Brad Marchand getting more involved offensively, as well as the Bruins response to physical play from the Jets on Friday. Plus, a look ahead to games against the Canucks and Blackhawks...
Published 02/03/20
Joe and Fluto chat All-Star Weekend and how the NHL can make the game more interesting for newer generations of fans, as well as David Pastrnak's performance over the weekend and the story of his journey to the NHL following the death of his father. The guys look ahead to the second half and discuss the goaltending situation when Tuukka Rask retuens from injury, and Fluto gives an update on goalie prospect Jeremy Swayman after seeing him go head-to-head with Spencer Knight and Boston College....
Published 01/27/20
Joe McDonald and Fluto Shinzawa wrap up the weekend and preview the week ahead for the Bruins, including the latest on Tuukka Rask after suffering a concussion last week, how confident the Bruins are in Jaroslav Halak to handle the workload. The guys also discuss David Backes clearing waivers and the chances of him accepting an assignment in Providence, as well as what Brett Ritchie needs to do to earn his way back onto the NHL roster.
Published 01/20/20
Billy, Joe and Fluto look back at three straight wins for the Bruins coming off Saturday's victory over the Islanders, and what's been key to the team's play going into a busy week. The guys discuss the emergence of depth players like Jake DeBrusk and John Moore contributing on the score sheet, Anders Bjork's fit on the Bruins second line and the possibility of him being a trade asset, as well as what to make of Brett Ritchie's recent play in an up-and-down first seaosn. Plus, taking a deeper...
Published 01/13/20
Billy, Fluto and Joe recap a disappointing weekend for the Bruins and a familiar feeling around the team after going winless over their last three games following the loss to Edmonton. The guys discuss the Bruins continuing to struggle offensively, how much the team could use the addition of Karson Kuhlman and other p, and the level of concern about the offence with the All-Star Break approaching. Plus, with a trade looking more likely, which players could be candidates for Don Sweeney, and...
Published 01/06/20
Joe and Fluto take over hosting duties for the final Perfection Pod of 2019, with the Bruins coming off a pair of wins over the Sabres, which included Jake DeBrusk's response to an early benching Sunday night. The guys discuss Bruce Cassidy looking for ways to motivate a forward group in need of more secondary scoring, what Karson Kuhlman could bring to the Bruins lineup when he eventually returns from injury, and if there is a need for the Bruins to add toughness to a skilled lineup. Plus,...
Published 12/30/19