The Bruins scored five goals against the Colorado Avalanche in the best game of their 2024-25 season to date. Led by three power-play goals, Boston checked off three boxes that head coach Jim Montgomery had been looking for in the previous four games: timely starts, 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 was a full 60-minute effort. They’re a really good team and they’re going to have their moments, but I thought our… I really liked our poise.”

Hampus Lindholm had a goal and an assist in the win and recognized the Bruins’ all-around effort.

“I think we came out as a team and played a pretty solid game overall,” Lindholm told reporters. “… I think we really stepped up and played more of that Bruins hockey that we are known for.”

Once again, the Bruins’ fourth line excelled with goals from Johnny Beecher and Cole Koepke, leading to more ice time for the duo and center Mark Kastelic.

“I think we should stop calling them the fourth line,” Montgomery said. “I mean, it’s impressive the way they played. They deserve all the ice time they get, and their detail, their work ethic, their puck support of each other, offensively and defensively, allows them to have tremendous success.

Montgomery added: “I think I’ve always been a coach that if you go out there and you have to play the right way and you show effort and execution, you’re going to be rewarded with ice time. We have to continue to build that throughout the entire lineup.”

Here are more notes on Wednesday’s Bruins-Avalanche game:

— Montgomery called out the top six forwards after Monday’s loss to the Florida Panthers. The Bruins bench boss even mentioned 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 and 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 scored one goal and three in four games since making a healthy scratch in the home opener.

— Nikita Zadorov dropped the gloves for the first time as a member of the Bruins to Matt Stienburg after the Boston defenseman took exception to the Colorado rookie’s goal 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 PM ET. You can watch the match after an hour of pre-game coverage on NESN.