2013: Bruins start season in January after the lockout
The 2013 NHL season was one of the most unique in league history. The season didn’t start on time because of a lockout. At some points, fans and players wondered it there would even be a season.
Fortunately, the league and the players signed a new CBA, and the new season started in January.
As you can imagine, everybody was ready for puck drop. The Boston Bruins opened up the season at home against the New York Rangers.
Milan Lucic opened the scoring in the first period. Although this was only a regular season game, the building exploded after that first goal.
Daniel Paille and Johnny Boychuk scored the other goals, and Boston won the game 3-1.
The Boston Bruins went on to defeat the Rangers in the playoffs this season en route to a berth in the Cup Final. The home opener, given it represented the return of hockey after a lockout, is one of the season’s best moments.