The two Boston Bruins greats were in attendance for Wednesday's opening night at TD Garden against the Chicago Blackhawks.

There’s been a lot of talk about the Boston Bruins’ new era.

If anything has made it feel real thus far, it was Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci walking the alumni “gold carpet” ahead of Wednesday night’s opening game. Instead of heading to the locker room, the newly retired Bruins hit the stands with fellow franchise greats to celebrate the Centennial season.

“When I announced it [retirement] and over the course of the summer, it’s a different kind of feel and vibe than when fall hits and your body, your inside clock, is kind of telling you something,” Bergeron said on Wednesday. “I knew that was going to come and the adjustment, I was going to deal with it when time came and here we are.”

After 19 seasons sporting the spoked-B, Bergeron will now watch his former team carry on the legacy he left behind when making the decision to hang up his skates in July.

“I’m at peace with my decision and wish the guys just the best,” Bergeron said. “I don’t think I’ll have the same adrenaline, the same nerves watching and being a part of it. But I’ll definitely be pulling for the guys.”

Krejci, who announced his retirement in August, echoed a similar sentiment. As hockey season rolled around, not showing up to the rink with his teammates officially signaled not only the next stage of his career, but life.

“Yeah, I already miss it. You know, when training camp started and guys were doing the media thing and I saw some pictures – that was my life, right? That’s what I’m supposed to do, so that kind of hit me at that time,” Krejci said.

He’s been filling up his free time, though. Between half-marathon training with his wife and embracing the dad role, Krejci is easing into the post-NHL world.

“Busy, really busy with the kids, school. Played some golf, tennis…drinks,” Krejci said with a laugh.

The Bruins pulled off a 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday with their new-look lineup that has Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle slotted in at Bergeron and Krejci’s former 1 and 2C spots, respectively. With heightened responsibility in the top six, Krejci said the key for Zacha and Coyle is confidence, and to not be too hard on themselves during the rough patches. 

“Just believe in yourself,” he said.

Bergeron and Krejci also got a glimpse of the Bruins’ future with 19-year-old Matt Poitras making his NHL debut after a convincing showing in training camp. Similar to Bergeron’s entrance into the league, Poitras grinded his way up the ranks as a youngster against the odds.

“It just shows that the future is bright,” Bergeron said. “Can’t say enough good things about this franchise and how important it is for them to kind of make sure this team stays strong for years to come. To see a kid like that kind of pushing his way into the lineup, it’s great.”

It’s not all new faces, however, with Brad Marchand leading the Bruins in his first season as captain. Marchand is one of the last remaining pieces of the 2011 Stanley Cup team, as well as the Bergeron/Krejci era, and the two think he’s the perfect guy for the job.

“He definitely deserves it, he earned it. I think he’s the oldest guy on the team and he knows exactly what it means to be a Bruin,” Krejci said. “There’s a lot of young guys coming in and new faces, and I think he’s the right person to show them the culture.”

Passing on the captaincy, the differences between Bergeron and Marchand are palpable, but that’s not a bad thing. Bergeron said the only advice he has for Marchand is to “be himself,” and – based on Wednesday’s pesky performance – he’s doing just that.

“I think leadership is by committee and letting other guys grow and having that core with you and let them take charge in their own ways,” Bergeron said. “‘Marchy’ has been around so long, he’s got the experience, he’s got the competitiveness as we all know and the will to win. It’s a perfect combination to be a great captain, great leader.”

The Bruins are still figuring out who they are without these former team cornerstones, but one thing's for sure: while Bergeron and Krejci may not be on the ice, they'll always be woven into Boston's DNA.  

“I think it reminds you how special it is to be a part of this organization and what it really means to put on that jersey,” Bergeron said. “Lots of history behind it, and it’s amazing. Just happy to be a part of it.”