( Photo Credit: NHL Video on Youtube )

By: Joe Todd | Follow me on Twitter @heyjoetodd

The Bruins defeated the Colorado Avalanche 5-1 this afternoon in TD Garden. It was arguably their best 60-minute performance this year, having dominated a Stanley Cup favorite in their last game without leading scorer Brad Marchand. Jeremy Swayman made 30 stops and continues his run of improved play since his recall from Providence.

Please check out these NHL Betting Odds for your chance to gain an advantage the next time you place a wager. These are some talking points for the game that was.

Pasta’s back on the menu

David Pastrnak broke his scoring drought with an OT winner against Ottawa and looked like a new man today against the Avs. He finished the game with two goals, an assist, and eight shots on goal. In the first period, he hammered home a centering pass from Charlie McAvoy, who was originally looking for Bergeron.

In the second, he would find himself wide open at the top of the circles and hammered home his 27th of the season. Safe to say, he was feeling it tonight after getting out of his slump.

A rocket. Answered Mackinnon’s rocket moments earlier.

DeBrusk increases his value (and goal total)

Jake DeBrusk scored his second goal in as many games after being dropped to the fourth line to play with Lazar and Nosek. Off a great feed from McAvoy, DeBrusk found himself in alone, and despite trying to go high blocker with his usual drag move, the puck just squeaked through Kuemper’s body for his 9th of the season. He was aggressive off the rush and finished the game with four shots on net.

Squeaker!

Todd’s and Ends

Brandon Carlo is on a two-game point streak with an assist tonight on Pasta’s second. The Bruins need the big defender to step up offensively and defensively as he has been inconsistent this year.

Bergeron was 14/19 on faceoffs tonight and finished with one goal, one assist, and seven shots. He is perfect.

Taylor Hall finished with three assists, while McAvoy added two.

I can’t see Studnicka remaining in the lineup with Marchand coming back. Despite his assist against Ottawa, he cannot seem to find his footing with the team. Look for him to be part of a trade package in March.