Brad Marchand dominates in his return and Palat goes on IR.

Brad Marchand had a solid first game back after undergoing arthroscopic surgery in May to repair cartilage in his hips.

He posted two goals on the evening with an assist in his season debut, helping the Boston Bruins earn a 5-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings.

Originally, the 34-year-old forward was expected to be off the ice for six months but was cleared as good to return by Bruins coach Jim Montgomery following the morning skate Thursday.

Montgomery said: “He's a world-class player. It's amazing how he comes up with pucks. The puck is between three bodies and he's like the Tasmanian devil, twirling all around.

“It's amazing. He tracks and fights for it and bite your leg off for it. That's why we love him.”

Marchand plans to rest tonight as the team plays back-to-back games.

Marchand commented: “We've been very careful throughout this progression. Definitely felt more comfortable as the game progressed.”

Marchand led the Bruins last season with 80 points in 70 games, notching 32 goals.

In other news, New Jersey Devils player Ondrej Palat was placed on injured reserve on Saturday.

In a New Jersey Devils release Saturday, the team labeled Palat's injury “lower-body,” and said he will meet with doctors Monday to make “a final determination” on the next course of action.

Palat joined the Devils this summer after playing with the Tampa Bay Lightning and winning two Stanley Cups with the team.

Palat has three goals on eight shots this season and he’s played mostly on the team's top line.