Best of Bruins on WEEI: How much can Hagens help?

The WEEI Afternoons episode dives into the Boston Bruins' playoff push, focusing on the decision to keep top prospect James Hagens out of the final regular-season games. Hosts Andrew Razor Raycroft and Judd Surratt debate whether Hagens should be called up now or held back for the playoffs, weighing the value of his potential impact against the need to preserve his development and avoid overloading him during a critical stretch. They highlight the team’s recent struggles, particularly in goal scoring and power play efficiency, and argue that Hagens could provide a much-needed spark, especially on the second power play. The discussion also covers the team’s resilience, the importance of Jeremy Swayman’s performance, and the looming playoff matchups, with a preference for a divisional series against Buffalo or Montreal. The hosts express cautious optimism about the Bruins’ playoff chances, emphasizing that while Hagens isn’t a savior, he could be a valuable rotational piece that helps ease pressure on the top lines and adds depth to a struggling bottom six. Beyond hockey, the episode features a lighthearted segment on the science of farts, citing a study by Dr. Michael Levitt that found women’s farts are more intense in odor despite men producing more volume. The hosts humorously explore the social and biological implications, even questioning why dog farts are so notoriously bad. The conversation also touches on broader team-building philosophy, with the hosts defending the Bruins’ decision to delay Hagens’ call-up as a strategic move to allow for two full practice days and a smoother transition. Ultimately, the episode balances serious analysis with playful banter, concluding that the Bruins are in a strong position to make the playoffs and that Hagens’ arrival—when it comes—could be a pivotal moment in their postseason journey.