The 23-and-under crowd was represented on almost every line that skated Thursday at Xcel Energy Center, and two players — one from each team — made their NHL debuts.
But while the Bruins rolled out a younger look with key veterans resting up for their first-round playoff matchup, most of the rookies and sophomores the Wild tabbed have been mainstays for weeks, some longer than that.
These players are expected to take on more responsibility in the Wild's final game Saturday, like they did in the 3-0 loss to the Bruins in front of an announced crowd of 19,074 for the home finale, and this increased face time could be a preview of next season when the youngsters are poised to be a prominent population on the roster.
"You gotta give them the chance," Wild coach Bruce Boudreau said. "Teams turn over. We're one of those teams that are in transition right now. I think these young guys deserve a chance to not only have a role but a full-time role on this team because they're the lifeblood of it going forward."
After adding center Nico Sturm to the mix, who was playing his first career game as was Boston's Zach Senyshyn, the Wild had six players 23 years old or younger in its first post-elimination lineup.
Wingers Jordan Greenway and Luke Kunin are the only ones under contract for next season, but the rest — Sturm, center Joel Eriksson Ek and wingers Ryan Donato and Kevin Fiala — are restricted free agents.
Sturm hopes to use this late-season stint to help him prepare for training camp in September, when he'll compete for a roster spot.
"He showed energy," Boudreau said. "You could tell he can skate. I thought he made a couple of good plays."