The Bruins finally broke through on the power play on Saturday and not coincidentally, so did Zdeno Chara.

Mark Recchi redirected a Derek Morris shot from the right point on Boston’s first power play of the night at 3:18 of the first period. That snapped an 0-for-20 on the power play.

Then, later in the same period, Zdeno Chara got off the snide. After scoring 17 goals in his first season in Boston and another 19 last year with the Bruins, Chara entered Saturday night still having yet to find the back of the net.

But that ended 13 minutes later when Chara’s blast from the high slot got past 21-year-old rookie Jhonas Enroth.

Between killing all seven Buffalo power plays and scoring on 2-of-3 man-advantage chances, the Bruins special teams shone on this night.

Afterward, the Bruins talked about getting the monkey off their backs.

Shawn Thornton, with an assist and a motivational first-period fight with Steve Montador on the night, said it was a relief the Bruins finally scored on the power play.

Chara admitted it was a relief to finally get his first goal of the season.

Chara said it was great that the special teams came through.

Coach Claude Julien said it was evident the Bruins had the power play clicking early.

Julien said it was a good night overall for the special teams.