In order for the Bruins to build a happy home Monday, they had to act like it was the last place they wanted to be.

With the music cranked up and energized B’s fans stomping to their feet to wave black-and-gold playoff towels, the scene was set for high-charged NHL postseason intensity at TD Garden for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

But the Bruins were smart enough to know that despite the electrified atmosphere, it was not the time to put on a show.

Sure, Johnny Boychuk jumped up to level Matt Ellis with a building-jarring check in the middle period, and there were several other near scoring misses for the B’s. But for most of the night the Bruins adopted the same low-key formula that has served them well in 29 other NHL buildings. They kept things simple, safe and successful.

They skated as if they were on the road.

By concentrating on protecting the puck, clearing the defensive zone and limiting turnovers, the goal-challenged Bruins held on to Patrice Bergeron netted the game-winner with 7:03 to play in a 2-1 victory over the Sabres, which also gives the suddenly playoff savvy B’s a 2-1 series lead.

It may not always be up-tempo entertaining hockey, but the B’s are getting results with their patient, defense-oriented style.

“That’s the way we played on the road all year,” said forward Mark Recchi. “Hard-nosed hockey. Don’t take chances when you don’t have to. Play physical, win battles.”

Recchi set up Bergeron’s game winner Monday by bouncing Buffalo forward Tim Kennedy off the puck in the corner and quickly sending it to Bergeron in the slot. The 42-year old Recchi has played in more NHL games than any player in the league, and he’s not surprised that by playing safe hockey and waiting for their chances the Bruins are getting positive results.

“We did that on the road all year,” said Recchi. “At home we tended to really get away from it. We didn’t play the style of hockey you need to be successful.” 

The Bruins were able to win three more games (21) on the road than they did at home (18) during the regular season and they may be on to something with their topsy-turvy, play at home — like you do on the road — style.

Entering play Monday, the road teams had won eight of the 15 NHL games played in the opening round of the playoffs. Each of the eight teams that had successfully worked over 82 games to begin the playoffs with home-ice advantage had lost it by the time Game 2 of their series was over.

With the pressure to put on a dominating performance in front of Cup-hungry fans, winning at home during the playoffs may have become more difficult than winning on the road.

“Throughout the year we turned the puck over more at home, we pushed a little harder to make plays, but the way we win, is basically to play a road game,” said defenseman Denis Wideman, who scored the Bruins opening goal Monday, not by forcing a play, but by making a well-timed jump into a rush.

“Every team wants to play the same way they do on the road, but they get away from it, that something we really have to concentrate on, not turning the puck over, especially against this team,” added Wideman.

Maybe goals are overrated. Maybe a best in the league NHL defense and road style hockey can be entertaining too.

That’s defense, like the Celtics once played to win a myriad of championships.

Defense like the Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison led Patriots used to play.

The type of defense that seems to have vanished at Fenway.

The Bruins might be on to something and they could be just getting started this playoff season.

“When we do play ugly hockey, when we skate, win battles along the boards and win those races,” said Recchi. “We’re a heck of a hockey team.”