What we learned: Cassidy’s baptism under blizzard brings the ‘W’

Reminiscent of the lore of the Blizzard of ’78 when thousands of Beanpot fans were stranded at old Garden, Thursday’s whiteout also took on a historic setting for the first game in the new Black and Gold era.

For 10 years, Claude Julien rode his ascent to the winningest coach in Bruins’ history and the first to bring Lord Stanley back to Boston during his tenure. But Saturday’s 6-5 debacle against Toronto set the stage for his final descent to departure.

“When I went out to the bench,” interim coach Bruce Cassidy said postgame, “the first thing I did was look up at the banners – the Stanley Cup Championship banners – and you know, I’ve been a lifelong Boston Bruins fan since I was this high.…