It’s hard to quantify the value of this experience for Krug, whose status for the final two regular-season games remains unknown (he cannot compete in the postseason since he was signed after the trade deadline). But considering the Bruins could spend as much as $2.5 million on Krug over the three years of his entry-level contract, and they burned one year of that deal by suiting him up Tuesday night, Krug is a developmental investment the Bruins appear happy to make.

“It’s not a bad thing, because he gets the experience to play at this level, and to play at this level right now is pretty good,’’ Julien said, stressing the importance of these late-season games.

“And we get to see him not just fresh into training camp, but having played a full season at [Michigan State] and coming in in the best of shape that he can be in right now. We’re seeing him at his best and we’re seeing some of the hockey at its best, so it’s a great way to evaluate a player right now.’’

Count Milan Lucic as impressed.

“He made some good strong plays at the puck and he took his shots at the net when he had them,’’ Lucic said. “I definitely see a lot of potential in his game.’’

And after one of the biggest days of Krug’s life, with teammates singing his praises around the locker room, he was asked if he was pleased with his performance.

“I’m most upset that we lost,’’ he said. “The expectations here are to win and we have to fine-tune it before playoffs.’’

It seems he’ll fit in just fine.