David Pastrnak's hat trick propels Bruins past Avalanche

Field Level Media|published: Thu 18th January, 22:22 2024

Jan 18, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Colorado Avalanche left wing Miles Wood (28) controls the puck while Colorado Avalanche right wing Alex Beaucage (74) defends during the second period at TD Garden. credits: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

David Pastrnak finished off his first hat trick of the season with a pair of third-period goals to help the Boston Bruins to a 5-2 win over the visiting Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night.

The NHL-leading Bruins never trailed following a three-goal opening frame en route to extending their point streak to seven straight games (4-0-3).

Boston's Jake DeBrusk added a goal and an assist, Jakub Lauko scored his first of the season, while Charlie Coyle had two assists.

Jeremy Swayman made 30 saves in his fourth consecutive start for Boston, holding Colorado's potent offense - which entered the game ranked second in the league with 3.73 goals per game — scoreless in the third.

Miles Wood and Nathan MacKinnon scored for Colorado, which has lost two of its last three.

With his second-period tally, MacKinnon became the first Colorado player since Joe Sakic in 2005-06 to log multiple point streaks of at least 10 games in a single season.

Alexandar Georgiev recorded 26 saves in the Avalanche net.

The Bruins potted two goals over the opening 4:58, beginning with Pastrnak cutting from the left circle into the slot to deposit a spinning shot into the top corner just 44 seconds into the first period.

Lauko collected Morgan Geekie's touch pass through the crease and slotted home a backhand shot for the second Boston goal.

Just after the game's first power play expired, Wood brought Colorado within 2-1 at the 7:32 mark. The Massachusetts native got multiple whacks at a puck that caromed off the end wall following Devon Toews' drive from the left side.

DeBrusk extended Boston's lead back to two at 14:52 when he deflected in a Parker Wotherspoon shot from the right point.

The Avalanche posted a dominant 16-8 shot advantage in the second period and cut their deficit to 3-2 with 3:40 left as MacKinnon pounced on a puck that was left loose in the crease behind Swayman's pad.

In the third, Pastrnak redirected a DeBrusk feed to cushion Boston's lead at 17:24 before an empty-netter completed his hat trick in the final minute.

—Field Level Media