First impressions are all too important these days. But making a good first impression is exactly what Brian Gionta did Thursday night in the Bruins 8-4 beatdown of the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

“Again, as advertised, quick, still got good legs, great in front of the net,” head coach Bruce Cassidy said about Gionta. “That’s something Jay Pandolfo talked to me about today about the power play.”

After an underwhelming performance captaining Team USA at last month’s Winter Olympics, the news of Gionta signing with the Bruins came with many questions. But with Patrice Bergeron out of the lineup due to a foot injury, and Danton Heinen fighting through some growing pains, Cassidy called upon Gionta and the 19-year NHL veteran delivered in his Bruins debut.

After three seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, Gionta decided to take some time away from the NHL in order to be eligible for the Olympics. Between his work leading up to the Olympics, and the games themselves, Gionta was prepared for his NHL return.

“Yeah absolutely. I’ve been going at it all year,” Gionta said. “It’s not like I’ve been sitting at home, so I knew coming in that I was going to feel comfortable, but obviously, you want to get that first one out of the way and, you know, get it under your belt.”

Gionta logged 13:39 of ice time Thursday — including 3:16 of power play time — and notched a pair of assists against the Penguins.

As Cassidy and his coaching staff expected, Gionta stood out on the power play, helping the Bruins convert on three of their five opportunities.

“Well, [Pandolfo] said, Gionta played it, and he is great at tipping pucks and recovering pucks,” Cassidy added. “I talked to Brian, he said, yeah, that’s where I played when I played. Sometimes you think of a net-front presence in the power play.”

Gionta later confirmed his coaches’ sentiment.

“Yeah, it’s something I’ve been, you know, accustomed to throughout my career,” Gionta added. “I like it there. Pucks are coming there, so I like being there.”

Much won’t be expected from the former Canadiens captain, but whenever he’s called upon, Gionta is ready to contribute any way he can.

“Well yeah, I said it before. You’ve got a great team here. You’re coming into a good situation with a good bunch of guys, and it’s just, you know, whatever role is asked, I’m willing and happy to play that part, and yeah for sure,” Gionta said. “You want to get out on the right foot and feel good about your game, and you know, obviously fit in with the guys.”

Thursday was Gionta’s first NHL game since April 9 of last year. The 39-year-old skated on the Bruins’ third line, to the right of Tommy Wingels and David Backes.

Gionta knows the Boston area very well. It was 20 years ago that Gionta was setting records at Boston College, playing in four straight Frozen Fours and leading the Eagles to their first national championship in 52 years during his senior season in 2001.

“No, not yet. I haven’t had a chance yet,” Gionta said when asked if he had visited his alma mater yet. “Yeah for sure. I’ll make my way over there.”

Gionta seamlessly transitioned himself nicely one game into his Bruins tenure.