After just two games during the first week of the 2013-14 National Hockey League season, the Bruins returned to action Thursday night as they hosted the 3-0 Colorado Avalanche. The Bruins got off to a sloppy start in this one, and it showed in the opening 20 minutes as Ryan O’Reilly’s tally late in the frame was all the Avalanche would need, as they defeated the Bruins 2-0 in front of a sold out TD Garden crowd. Here are three takwaways from the Bruins first loss of the season.

Third line continues to be Bruins’ best

With names like Milan Lucic, Jarome Iginla, Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand, it should surprise you that none of those four plays on what should be currently considered as the Bruins’ best line, well at least after three games they are. The Bruins third line of Jordan Caron, Chris Kelly, and Reilly Smith has been the Bruins’ best thus far.

Although they failed to find the score sheet on Thursday, clearly, the trio was all over the ice creating chances and playing all-around good hockey, much like they have done so well this season. It certainly has been a pleasant surprise for the Bruins, especially after how much the line struggled last season.

A big part of why the line has been so good has been because of Jordan Caron. Caron had a great chance to score, again, but was robbed on an absolute beautiful save by Avalanche goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere. It’s nice to see a motivated, confident Caron again.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere steals the show

After watching starting goaltender Semyon Varlamov lead the Avalanche to three straight wins while allowing just three goals in those games, backup Jean-Sebastien Giguere got the nod for the Avalanche on Thursday, and boy did he make the most of his opportunity. Giguere stopped all 39 shots he saw for his first shutout of the season, and the 37th of his career.

“I felt good” said Giguere. “It wasn’t perfect in any way; there are things that I would like to improve. Overall coming in here, it’s a tough building, my first game of the season and I’m pretty happy with the result.”

Giguere was very good in this one coming up with save after save, especially on the Bruins 4-3 man advantage late in the third as the Bruins were really buzzing as they were looking for the tying goal.

Second line chemistry not quite there yet

Much was talked about regarding the Bruins second line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and Loui Erikkson as the season began a week ago. Through three games it seems like the line has yet to find that chemistry that will eventually make them a very good line.

“No it’s getting there” said Eriksson who is pointless in three games as a Bruin.

“We get some good chances today and it’s just a matter of putting the puck in and score some goals. Like I said, we have so many games left to play so yeah we’re just going to continue to work on it and get better.”

The goals are going to come for Eriksson and his line mates, once Eriksson gets going the chemistry will surely develop.