DENVER — The Boston Bruins made Patrice Bergeron’s return memorable.

Not so for Tony Granato.

Bergeron, out for nearly a year with a serious concussion, had an assist, and David Krejci scored the game-winner with 2:36 remaining, lifting the Bruins to a 5-4 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.

“I couldn’t wait for this day,” Bergeron said.

Bergeron missed all but 10 games last season after he was driven face-first into the end boards by Philadelphia defenseman Randy Jones. He had to watch the Bruins’ march to the playoffs from the sideline, anxiously awaiting his chance to return.

“I looked forward to this like nothing else,” he said.

Granato’s debut in his second stint in charge of the Avalanche didn’t go as he envisioned. The goalie he has backed, Peter Budaj, gave up five goals, and his promise of an up-tempo brand of hockey was marred by passes that just missed their mark.

“We did skate well, we did create enough offensively, but there are areas we can improve,” Granato said.

Blake Wheeler provided a spark for the Bruins in his first NHL game, scoring a goal in the first period.

“It was a dream come true and you couldn’t write it any better,” the rookie said.

Tim Thomas stopped 35 shots, including a late flurry in the last 10 seconds. He even caught sight of Joe Sakic in the scrum, causing even more trepidation.

“I know from watching him over the years that he can go anywhere from five-hole to off the crossbar,” Thomas said. “I was trying to be ready for anything.”

That was Krejci’s approach as well on his game-winning goal. He was simply standing to the left of Budaj when it bounced his way.

“I just put the puck on net and hoped it went in. It did,” Krejci said. “It feels good.”

Notes: The Bruins could be without Chuck Kobasew for tonight’s game in Minnesota. The winger was wearing a walking cast on his right leg yesterday after being hit in the ankle by a shot in the second period on Thursday night. Despite the injury Kobasew assisted on Krejci’s game-winning goal with 2:36 left.