The Bruins, fresh from a 268-day respite, opened their 2013 season Saturday night with an impressive 3-1 win over the Rangers in which they played most of the night with a lead, tilted the ice their way about 70 percent of the time, committed precious few errors, and otherwise made the Blueshirts far bluer and blander than most of their recent visits to Causeway Street.

“Give them credit,’’ said Ranger coach John Tortorella, noting play too often was at the Ranger end of the building. “They’re a pretty good hockey club.’’