The Boston Bruins finally played as close of a 60 minute game that they have played in months. They defended their home ice in a 4-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1 of their first round series at the TD Garden.

One of the reasons why was the play of Wade Redden. Yes, Wade Redden.

What a time for Redden to have his best game in a Bruins sweater. After the B’s sluggish start in the first few minutes allowing a power-play goal, Redden answered with a slapper that beat James Reimer sending the TD Garden into a frenzy. This one play changed the whole complexion of the game. The Bruins regained their confidence and never looked back.

Redden also assisted on Horton’s tip in as he let another one loose that was deflected past Reimer. He contributed on two of the B’s four unanswered goals. The veteran defenseman scored his first Stanley Cup Playoff goal in six seasons and he notched his first multi-point effort in the process.

When he needed a veteran presence on the blue-line Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli acquired Redden from the St. Louis Blues. Little could anyone imagine that he would have scored the tying goal and assisted on the game-winning goal in the first game of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Redden notched 16:57 of total ice time Wednesday night. This may be his ceiling, but what a show he put on in his first playoff game with the Black and Gold.

Head coach Claude Julien was very pleased with Redden’s performance.

“I was really happy for him,” Julien said. “I think I said that this morning, he’s a player that has gone through some rough times. What we’ve tried to do when he came here is make him feel welcome, make him feel appreciated and give him some confidence that way. So far, its paid dividends.”

Redden chimed in on if he could’ve imagined scoring a playoff goal for the Bruins a few months ago.

“Well, yeah, it’s been a long road,” Redden said. “Obviously, the position I was in, a lot of uncertainties, but kept working and kept believing, I guess. It’s great to be here now and have the chance and I’m going to try and make the most of it.”

Redden turned away on talking about what the goal was to him personally, but addressed how important the team win was.

“It’s a win,” Redden said. “That’s really what it all boils down to. It’s one win in a series. I’m not getting too nostalgic on things. Obviously, it’s just one game, so you got to keep with it.”

Redden and the B’s will look to take a 2-0 lead Saturday night as the two teams will meet again for Game 2.

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Here’s Anthony’s clip of Redden speaking to the media after the Game 1 victory.