One Big Takeaway From Bruins’ Comeback Win Over Avalanche

BOSTON — The Bruins wouldn’t go down without a fight Saturday.

Morgan Geekie and David Pastrnak, in particular, wouldn’t go down without a fight, leading to a 3-1 victory at TD Garden.

The B’s entered the third period with what seemed to be an insurmountable deficit given the way things had gone to that point. The Colorado Avalanche were playing at a break-neck pace as they looked to figure out what life was going to be like without Mikko Rantanen — who was traded just hours before to the Carolina Hurricanes — and cashed in to score the only goal of the game through two periods.

Geekie was able to supply the equalizer quickly into the final frame, though, as some decent puck luck helped Pastrnak supply him with a slick feed just moments after he exited the penalty box.

That’s one.

Boston almost found itself in another hole seconds after the goal, as Vinni Lettieri was called for a high stick on an unfortunate play down in the crease. Colorado couldn’t capitalize, though, which allowed for Pastrnak and Geekie to connect on another goal midway through the final period.

That’s two.

The Bruins wouldn’t need anything more, as the final half of the third period featured some of the crispiest defense we’ve seen from them in quite some time — particularly once Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood was pulled from his crease. Pastrnak was the beneficiary, scoring an empty-net goal to seal it.

Jeremy Swayman was terrific, stopping 27-of-28 shots faced. Andrew Peeke, Parker Wotherspoon and Brandon Carlo were particularly noticeable in their efforts to slow down a high-powered offense, continuing to make a positive impression in the absence of Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm.

Boston is still on an upward climb to get back into contention, but there’s very little to complain about from the victory on Saturday.