Complete performance catapults Boston to the best game of the season

The Bruins scored five goals against the Colorado Avalanche in the best game of their 2024-25 season. Led by three power play goals, Boston hit three criteria head coach Jim Montgomery has been looking for over the last four games: timely start, execution and effort.

“I think this is the best team game we've had so far this year,” Montgomery told reporters in Colorado. “I thought it would be a full 60-minute effort. They're a really good team and they're going to have their moments, but I thought we really liked…our attitude.”

Hampus Lindholm scored a goal and an assist in the win, recognizing the Bruins' all-around performance.

“I think we performed as a team and played a pretty solid game overall,” Lindholm told reporters. “… I think we’ve really stepped up and played more of the Bruins hockey that we’re known for.”

Once again, the Bruins' fourth line shined with goals from Johnny Beecher and Cole Koepke, giving the duo and center Mark Kastelic more ice time.

“I think we need to stop calling them the fourth line,” Montgomery said. “I mean, it's impressive how they played. They deserve every bit of ice time they get, and their details, their work ethic, supporting each other with the puck, offensively and defensively, allows them to achieve tremendous success.”

Montgomery added: “I think I've always been a coach where if you go out there and play the right way and show effort and performance, you're rewarded with time on the ice.” We need to continue to build that across the entire lineup. “

Here are more notes from Wednesday's Bruins-Avalanche game:

– Montgomery named the top six forward group after Monday's loss to the Florida Panthers. The Bruins' bench boss even singled out Coyle, saying the center wasn't “up to speed.” Coyle responded with a power play goal in the first period.

“His legs were great, he won battles, he did a great job in all three zones for us,” Montgomery said. “It was the Charlie Coyle we all know and love.”

– Mason Lohrei extended his assist and point streak to three games with a beautiful pass to Coyle on his power play goal. Lohrei has one goal and three in four games since he was a healthy scratch in the home opener.

— Nikita Zadorov dropped the gloves for the first time as a member of the Bruins along with Matt Stienburg after the Boston defenseman was upset about the Colorado rookie's hit on Matthew Poitras.

– The Bruins continue their three-game road trip with their first game against the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday. Puck drop from Delta Center is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET. You can watch the game on NESN after an hour of pre-game coverage.