Bruins GM/coach Mike O’Connell said Turner Stevenson’s game-opening hit “was bordering on a suspension.”

Stevenson didn’t try to duck the question, or deny fault.

The Devils’ winger leveled Boston defenseman Bryan Berard from behind on the first shift of last night’s 2-1 Devils’ victory at the Meadowlands.

“It wasn’t a good hit by me,” Stevenson said. “I knew he had his numbers toward me. It was the first shift, and I was overanxious. But I’m not out to hit guys from behind.”

It was only the start of a physical evening, only the start of what is likely to be a physical series.

“The message was sent to us from them: ‘We’re going to play you tough, and we’re not going to give you anything,’ ” Pat Burns said.