Takeaways: Bruins earn character win without top defensemen

Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman is congratulated at the end of the game. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff The Boston Bruins encountered a curveball entering Game 4 with Charlie McAvoy entering COVID-19 protocol.

With adversity starring them directly in the face, the Bruins persevered in another must-win contest against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Bruins earned a character 5-2 win without their top two defensemen in McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm. They’ll head back to Raleigh for a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday with the series tied at 2-2.

For the second straight game, the Bruins received a spark from their reunited top line of Brad Marchand (two goals, three assists), Patrice Bergeron (a goal and two…