Takeaways: Bruins persevere for hard-earned point vs. Avalanche

Nathan MacKinnon #29 of the Colorado Avalanche fights for the puck against Hampus Lindholm #27 of the Boston Bruins in second period at Ball Arena on January 08, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesDENVER — A litmus test awaited the Boston Bruins as they approach the midway point of their centennial season.

Their first of those challenges came Monday night against the high-octane Colorado Avalanche. The Bruins hardly had their A-Game going, yet persevered to a hard-earned point to kick off their four-game road trip.

Jim Montgomery’s squad had to fight through penalty trouble, puck mismanagement and an injury to Brandon Carlo. These developments hardly serve as a good omen…