David Backes had this date circled on the calendar for awhile. After days of anticipation, the former Blues captain returned to the place he called home for his first 10 years in the National Hockey League.

More than six months removed from signing a five-year deal with the Bruins, Backes returned to the Scottrade Center knowing it was going to be an emotional night. As usual with any significant player returning home, keeping those emotions in check is easier said than done, particularly in the opening moments.

That was just part of the anticipation prior to Tuesday’s tilt.

“There are a few times in your career when you get special nights, and tonight is going to be a special night for me, no question, coming back to a place where I spent 10 years,” Backes said to reporters following Tuesday’s morning skate. “I’ve got a lot of great memories here.”

With his wife and daughter making the trip flanked by a fanbase that surely included more of his fellow peers, Backes’ emotions were put to the test when the Blues played a video montage of his greatest moments in St. Louis following the first television timeout. After fighting back tears during the montage, things started settling in for Backes and the rest of the Black and Gold.

A night that started out in familiarity with the Blues welcoming back their former teammate turned into a night of unfamiliar territory for the Bruins. Sparked by Brad Marchand’s two tallies on a day where he was named to his first All-Star Game and a pair of power play goals, the B’s started out with four unanswered goals en route to their 5-3 victory.

Thanks for everything, @dbackes42. pic.twitter.com/Naj2BtiR9Z

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) January 11, 2017

“It was special. Certainly something I’ve never experienced before, and it was great to be back in the building,” Backes told reporters postgame.

“Thankfully we jumped out to a decent lead, because I was trying to bottle up everything that was going on the ice, [and] it was tough, no question about it. The guys played amazing and we were able to get two points out of the game.”

Sure the stat line may not have been too favorable to Backes, who entered Tuesday’s game having scored two goals in as many games since returning from a concussion against the Panthers this past Saturday. The first-year Bruin spent more time in the penalty box (17 minutes) than he logged in time on ice (10:41). His 17 penalty minutes came as a result of instigating a fight with Joel Edmundson following a David Krejci collision with Jori Lehtera.

The Bruins, however, had his Back(es) in his return, and found out first hand how important he was to St. Louis both on and off the ice.

“He’s such an incredible guy. You know, so personable and such a great leader,” Marchand told NESN’s Sarah Davis postgame. “Obviously, he’s one that the fans love. The Bruins fans have taken him in and absolutely love him and he’s a great guy in the room. You see why [the Blues] miss him so much on the ice and in the room and why the fans miss him so much, and why we’re so fortunate enough to have him.”