DETROIT -- The celebration was warranted and well-deserved.

When Bruins forward Jordan Caron scored his first career playoff goal in the first period Tuesday, giving the Boston Bruins a 2-0 lead against the Detroit Red Wings in Game 3, he paused to make sure the referee signaled that it was a goal.

“I actually looked at the ref to make sure that one went in before I celebrated,” Caron said. “It felt pretty good to see the light go on.”

The Bruins went on to win the game 3-0, taking a 2-1 series lead in first-round playoff action.

In the regular season, Caron’s playing time was limited to 35 games. He has frequently watched from press level as a healthy scratch, but with Daniel Paille (head) out of the lineup, Caron has been given an opportunity to contribute in the playoffs.

“They told me at the start of the season I was going to be the 13th forward, so I knew what to expect and I kept working hard all year,” Caron said. “Right now I get to play in the playoffs and it’s pretty exciting. I’m really happy to be playing right now.”

Caron has been playing on the team’s fourth line along with Shawn Thornton and Gregory Campbell. After Boston’s win, Caron’s teammates were thrilled with his contributions.

“It’s great. It’s huge,” assistant captain Patrice Bergeron said. “It speaks a lot about our depth, but also the character that he’s shown all year to stay with it and keep getting better. He’s been working hard in practices; he got his chance and now he’s taking it and playing well, and he scored a big goal for us.”