4/17/26 Full Show - Will the Bruins and Celtics make us all feel better next week?

The WEEI Afternoons team kicks off their April 17, 2026 episode with electric energy surrounding Boston’s playoff-packed weekend, spotlighting the Bruins’ surprising underdog run and their upcoming matchup against the Sabres. Host Andy Hart expresses growing excitement for the Bruins, emphasizing their unproven talent, strong team chemistry, and the pivotal role of goaltender Jeremy Swayman, whose playoff performance could define their postseason fate. In contrast, the Celtics are viewed as favorites against the 76ers, but concerns linger about their ability to handle physicality and mental pressure. The Red Sox are under scrutiny for rookie Roman Anthony’s struggles and the media’s amplification of his burden, while Craig Breslow’s evasive comments on Garrett Crochet’s health fuel concerns about the team’s pitching lab and its cookie-cutter approach to player development. Meanwhile, the Patriots face controversy over Mike Vrabel’s absence from media appearances amid the Diana Rossini scandal, sparking criticism over a lack of accountability. The episode closes with a humorous yet insightful look at inflated resale prices for Red Sox City Connect cooler cups, a phone call from John in Springfield drawing parallels between public apologies and redemption—citing Dave Letterman and Andy Pettit—and a lighthearted rant about Fenway’s left-handed batter wall, underscoring fan passion and enduring quirks of the ballpark experience.