CHICAGO — The playoffs are full of important rookies this year.

Charlie Coyle, who was acquired in the 2011 trade that sent All-Star defenseman Brent Burns to San Jose, plays on Minnesota’s first line with Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu. The 6-foot-2 right wing had eight goals and six assists in 37 games this season.

“You have many dreams growing up, and playing for the Cup is my biggest one,” said Coyle, a first-round pick by San Jose in the 2010 draft. “So it’s pretty special to be here and be with this group of guys. It’s a good group of guys, so it’s exciting.”

Brodin and fellow defenseman Ryan Suter stepped up after goalie Niklas Backstrom was scratched from Game 1 with a leg injury. Brodin played 34 minutes in his first playoff game and Suter was on the ice for 41 minutes, providing valuable support for backup goalie Josh Harding.

Zucker, who played six games for Minnesota last season, had a shot go off the crossbar in overtime in the playoff opener.

“I thought that all our young kids played a very good game,” Minnesota coach Mike Yeo said. “They were able to play their game and go out and execute.”