Charlie Coyle tallies in his return to the lineup (VIDEO)

Boston Bruins forward Charlie Coyle made his much anticipated return to the lineup tonight, and he's already making an impact. 

Coyle tallied a first period goal tonight against the Washington Capitals in exhibition action at TD Garden, deflecting home a rebound off a Brad Marchand shot from the top of the slot past goaltender Vítek Vaněček to give his squad the early advantage

Coyle underwent offseason surgery to repair an avulsion fracture in his left kneecap and a small tear of the patellar tendon, and figures to play a larger role in the Bruins offensive attack following the departure of veteran David Krejci.