Wild gets a peek at its future in win over Capitals

WASHINGTON -- The Wild got a glimpse into its future on Friday night in the nation's capital. If the early returns are any indication, the next few years could be pretty fun.
Luke Kunin scored the game-winning goal, Jordan Greenway added a highlight-reel tally of his own and Ryan Donato had a pair of assists as Minnesota rolled into Capital One Arena and left with a 2-1 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champions.
Going against some of the best players in the world, Minnesota's line of early 20-somethings was the most impactful of the night.

"They're playing well, especially at this time of year," said Wild coach Bruce Boudreau. "It's great for now, but it's 10 times better for the future."
Boudreau showed no hesitation putting his group of youngsters on the ice in nearly any situation on Friday. With the game tied and just under eight minutes remaining, the line rewarded their coach when Donato forced a turnover at neutral and got the puck to Zach Parise entering the offensive zone.
The veteran found Kunin knifing towards the slot all alone, and the former Badger didn't miss, wiring a shot under the crossbar past Braden Holtby for his sixth goal of the season and first career game-winner.
It was some nice retribution for Kunin, who ripped a shot off the post midway through the second period and the Wild leading 1-0.
Moments later, Washington tied the game on a goal by Brett Connolly.

"I thought I had a few chances," Kunin said. "[It was] nice to get that one."
It was also a nice reward for Kunin, who earned more ice time than any other Wild forward on the night (19:21). With veterans like Mikael Granlund and Charlie Coyle traded away last month and Mikko Koivu and Joel Eriksson Ek nursing injuries, Kunin has stepped into the center position and flourished.
All three rookie forwards made major impacts.
Greenway's first-period goal was a thing of beauty, as the 6-foot-6 winger used all the tools in his tool box to give the Wild the lead.
The play started again in the neutral zone on a strong play along the wall by Donato to work the puck to the middle of the ice. Greenway chipped the puck past a defender, kicked it to his backhand then muscled off Tom Wilson before cutting to the top of the crease, where he made a move around Holtby before stuffing it into an open cage.

Kunin didn't figure into the scoring, but did yeoman's work by going hard to the far-side post and taking a defender with him, allowing Greenway just enough open ice to make a play.
"I think we're learning from each other. I think we're starting to get each other's habits, where we're going to be on the ice, where the other guys are going to be, where they like to pass to," Donato said. "Being able to learn with each other, it makes you feel comfortable on the ice. You don't feel like you're doing anything wrong. You've got to make sure you're passing to each other and kind of playing and feeding off each other."
Greenway said the line's chemistry comes from the fact all three bring a little something different to the table.

"Donato] has a ton of skill on the right side. Kunin plays a real responsible game. I think I do a little bit more work in the corners and behind the net. We really complement each other well," Greenway said. "We played with a lot of confidence tonight. I think everyone helped with that which is huge. If we keep playing like that I think we'll continue to do a lot of good things."
For the sake of its season -- and its future -- the Wild has to hope that's the case.
**Related:**
[Postgame Hat Trick: Wild 2, Capitals 1