Gionta, Holden, and Wingels have played in a combined 184 postseason games - with Nash adding another 77 - providing Boston with further veteran experience. With five rookies on the roster, as well as young players with limited playoff histories like Brandon Carlo and David Pastrnak, Sweeney feels the newcomers can be valuable assets when the competition ramps up.
"We learned from that last year when some of the guys were going through their first playoff experiences. David Pastrnak is a great example of that," said Sweeney. "We made a move this year to really integrate some of the younger players and credit to them, but it's a long schedule, and they're going through that for the first time.
"I think some of the guys that have been there can help them continue to wade through that…Brandon sat out another game the other night, but again, he can come back into the lineup and reinsert himself pretty quickly, and other guys may need a breather or not depending on their play.
"It's always about the performance, but I think you're right in the fact that having some veteran players around that have been through this will help guide them down the right path."
Sweeney also pointed to the versatility and character of Wingels, who notched seven goals and five assists in 57 games for the Blackhawks this season. The 29-year-old Illinois native has played mostly center throughout his eight-year career with San Jose, Ottawa, and Chicago, but can also shift to the wing if called upon.
"He is a player that played against us last year in the playoffs [with the Senators]. We know him very well," said Sweeney. "Has been able to play up and down the lineups for the teams he has been on, plays at least two positions - if not all three - kills penalties, a character person, skates, physical.
"Again, just adding to the depth of the group that we can sustain potential injuries that come our way as well as the tough schedule."
Boston has dropped two in a row - and three of their last five - in regulation for the first time since mid-November. But with the stretch run on the horizon and the roster now set, the B's can turn their attention to finishing out the regular season on a high note.
"The body of work suggests that our team will play better, and I think the infusion of the players we've added will help that, and that's been the intention," said Sweeney. "I've said, we have a tough March in front of us, and if we want to get to where we want to be and play the way we are capable of playing, which we have shown for the vast majority of the season thus far, we have to play better.
"Hopefully the continuity starts to go back together and nobody's looking over their shoulder and wondering what's next, because this is the team that is going to take a run at things."