The Bruins currently sit on the cusp of a playoff spot, but they have played more games than their opponents, and Brad Marchand’s name has come up in trade talks.

The Bruins ride a strong stretch, 5-1-1 in their last seven, including a dominant 3-1 win over Colorado at TD Garden Saturday. That puts them over the Lightning in fourth in the Atlantic Division.

David Pastrnak is hot, with 11 goals, 10 assists, and 21 points in his last 12 games. Linemate Morgan Geekie added six in the past seven games, and goalie Jeremy Swayman has been a rock.

With top blue-liners Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy returning soon, the team is a force to be reckoned with.

The winning spurt makes general manager Don Sweeney’s decision-making at the trading deadline even more complex.

Team president Cam Neely recently acknowledged that both buying and selling options are under consideration, and Saturday’s performance added to that dilemma.

Brad Marchand, in the final year of an eight-year, $49 million deal, will be 37 when that contract runs out. Despite professing a desire to retire in Boston, he could opt to join a competitor in an attempt at a championship in a new city.

Elliotte Friedman says Boston could trade Marchand if they keep losing

Elliotte Friedman has theorized that, if Boston stays in contention, they won’t make a move with Marchand but, if not, trading him is a real consideration.

‘If Boston is in the race they’re not trading Marchand. If Boston out of it, maybe.’- Elliotte Friedman

The kind of team most interested in him is a strong competitor such as the Vegas Golden Knights, who pace the Pacific Division, and having him and a familiarity with Bruce Cassidy, the coach, is an added asset.

There’s a chance, too, for a pure rental: Marchand aids a playoff run with a new team and then re-signs in Boston for a short agreement.