Jaromir Jagr returned after three years in Russia and scored his 1,600th career NHL point on Thursday night, leading the Flyers to a 2-1 victory over Boston and spoiling the Bruins' Stanley Cup banner-raising celebration.
"We played the Stanley Cup champions. It's not easy," said Jagr, one of eight new players for Philadelphia, including three rookies. "They're probably the best team in the NHL and we've got totally a new team. A lot of young guys. A lot of rookies. You've got to give us time."
Ilya Bryzgalov made 22 saves in his first game for the Flyers since signing a nine-year, $51 million contract.
"It was a big night for Boston, but we came here with a business," Bryzgalov said. "We did not came here to celebrate with them."
Flyers coach Peter Laviolette agreed.
"It's tough to come in when there's that much energy in the building for the opposition," he said. "I thought our guys battled through that."
Reigning Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Tim Thomas stopped 27 shots for Boston.
Sports
In partnership with NBC Sports Philadelphia
Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek scored 47 seconds apart in the final minute of the first period for the Flyers, who overhauled their roster after being swept out of the playoffs by Boston in the second round. The Bruins went on to win their first Stanley Cup title since 1972.
Brad Marchand scored for Boston.
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our sports newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
