David Pastrnak is playing at an MVP level for the Bruins, who now sit in a tie for first place in the Atlantic Division.

Boston opens the trip Tuesday against the Blues before stops in Winnipeg and Minnesota later this week. The team ruled Pastrnak out of a previous trip at the start of December, but the star forward is now back with the group after missing time since he last played on Nov. 26.

The Boston Bruins picked up a big road win over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, backed by a stellar performance from David Pastrnak. Pastrnak played his second-straight game since returning from injury and had a stellar performance.

David Pastrnak has been essential to the Boston Bruins’ lineup for a decade now, growing into an elite goal-scorer. He’s hit over 100 points in the last three seasons, including an incredible 61 goals in the 2022-23 season.

Despite losing both David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy to injuries, the Bruins have managed to stay afloat due to several factors.

David Pastrnak has taken the first step toward getting back in the Bruins lineup. The star winger skated for the first time since suffering an undisclosed injury, according to the Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy. Pastrnak has missed Boston’s last four games, so returning to the ice is an encouraging development.

1. The Bruins were missing their No. 1 line from Wednesday: Pastrnak, Zacha and Matěj Blümel. Sturm classified Pastrnak and Zacha as day-to-day. Blümel (lower body) was placed on long-term injured reserve Friday.

Entering Monday tied for first place in the Atlantic Division, the Boston Bruins appear to be on the verge of receiving a few major reinforcements as David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy could suit up by the end of the week.