WASHINGTON, D.C. — After last year, any win to open the season, especially on the road, would have been cause for celebration for the Bruins .

But the way they beat the Capitals in their season opener was particularly encouraging.

Throughout training camp, the Bruins promised to be more competitive and tougher to play against as they began the Marco Sturm era.

If they’re going to have any level of success this year, they’re going to have to win tight, low-scoring games. They’re going to need their high-end players to make significant contributions and they’ll need to outplay their opponents on the power play and the penalty kill. A few breaks and good fortune wouldn’t hurt either.

Against Washington, who had the best record in the Eastern Conference last year, the Bruins checked

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