🎙️ Maria and Karoline dig into the Bruins’ final roster decisions, waiver risks, and the attitude shift that’s already defining Marco Sturm’s first season at the helm. From Poitras’ reassignment to DiPietro’s waiver scare, they cover who made it, who didn’t — and why this “pissed off” Bruins team might just be better for it.

🚨 Setting the Table

* NHL staff writers drop season predictions — not one picks Boston for a playoff spot.

* The hosts think that’s exactly what the Bruins needed: a little disrespect and a lot of fuel.

* “They’re angry. They’re hungry. And they have something to prove.”

📉 Final Cuts

* Jonathan Aspirot, Lou Mel, Michael DiPietro, Alex Steeves placed on waivers for Providence.

* Matt Poitras sent to Providence camp — still not strong enough for a full-time NHL role yet.

* Biggest concern: DiPietro on waivers — Toronto’s interest loomed large, but timing may have saved Boston from losing him.

📈 Bubble Watch & Roster Grit

* Beecher keeps a roster spot thanks to faceoff skill, PK work, and versatility (C/RW).

* Blumel sent down despite strong preseason; could be the first call-up.

* Fourth line flux: Kuraly, Beecher, Viel, and Kastelic all battling to prove their worth.

* Sturm’s early test: finding chemistry in a lineup full of interchangeable parts.

💭 Players to Watch

* Mason Lohrei – must tighten defensive habits and balance offensive instincts with structure.

* Tanner Jeannot – leadership and grit praised, but can it translate to consistent production?

* Jeremy Swayman – the key to early success in a brutal October schedule.

* Michael DiPietro – waiver risk turned potential AHL starter with NHL upside.

🔥 Energy & Attitude Check

* Preseason showed fightback: multiple games where the Bruins clawed back from deficits.

* “Don’t give up after a mistake — just keep going.”

* Sturm’s influence is clear: accountability, competition, and renewed drive.

🏒 Schedule Outlook

* Starts Wednesday vs. Washington (TNT) → Home opener Thursday vs. Chicago.

* October: a gauntlet of Lightning, Avs, Panthers, and Knights.

* Early points = critical with Olympic break compression looming.

🏆 Bold Predictions

* Maria: “I don’t think this team makes the playoffs — not yet.”

* Karoline: “If they play like they did in preseason, they’ll be in the wild card mix. But can it last?”

* Consensus: this is a hungry team, even if they’re not fully formed.

🎖️ Big Z’s Big Moment

* Bruins announce Zdeno Chara’s #33 jersey retirement for Jan. 15, 2026.

* “Culture changer. Cup lifter. Class act.”

* Perfect timing ahead of Bergeron’s Hall of Fame eligibility in 2026.

💬 Quotes & Chaos

* “They’re not being talked about — and that’s the best thing for them.”

* “Pissed off is good. Committed is better.”

* “We’ve got a roster of fourth-liners — but maybe that’s where the grit lives.”

🔮 What’s Next

* Opening week snapshots begin Friday 🎧

* Early-season storylines: Sturm’s system, bottom-six rotation, and how the Bruins respond to doubt

* One message rings clear: They’re done being comfortable.

🐝 Next week: Opening Night reactions — did the “prove-it” energy carry over to real ice?

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