It was a night to never forget for Riley Duran, the Woburn native and Boston Bruins rookie, who made his National Hockey League debut on Thursday, April 10, at TD Garden. With a sold out crowd of 17,850 and a big group of friends and family in attendance, Duran lived the dream.
“It was just like I thought as a kid playing in the Garden,” said Duran, 23. “It was a great atmosphere tonight. I hate we didn’t get the win but it was an amazing experience and one I’ll never forget.”
The Bruins called up Duran on an emergency basis after injuries started to pile up. Off a 58 game stint with the Providence Bruins, Boston’s AHL affiliate, Duran had 12 goals and 16 points. In 69 career AHL games, he had 14 goals and 20 points so he was ready for the next level.
Transitioning to the NHL: A Daunting Task
Getting to the NHL from the AHL is no easy task. Duran quickly figured that out.
“You’re playing with and against guys that can make plays,” Duran said. “You just gotta be aware of them when you’re out there.”
On the right wing of the Bruins’ fourth line, Duran didn’t waste any time making his presence known. Alongside newcomers Fraser Minten at center and Marat Khusnutdinov on the left wing, the trio gave Bruins fans a taste of the future.
Duran’s physicality was on display early when he laid a huge hit on Blackhawks defenseman Kevin Korshinski along the boards in the first period. The 6-3, 199 pound winger also showed off his offensive skills with a nice net front presence during Boston’s scoring chances.
“I loved playing with those guys,” said Duran. “Minten I know from playing in Providence. He was there a couple weeks and is a really good player. Those two were flying around. It was fun to play with them.”
A Glimpse of Potential in a Tough Loss
Duran’s best scoring chance came in the second period when it was 1-1. He pounced on a centering pass that bounced off Pavel Zacha’s skate and shot quickly. Blackhawks goalie Arvid Soderblom denied the attempt with 3:30 left in the period.
“I thought Riley got better as the game went on,” said Bruins coach Joe Sacco. “He had a really good opportunity in the second period. I think it hit the goalie on the shoulder. He was on the forecheck, moving his feet. He was noticeable, which I thought was a good start for him.”
Chicago spoiled the homecoming by scoring three straight in the third period. Down 4-1, Duran didn’t give up, and had a nice give-and-go with Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov in the middle of the period.
Duran was scoreless with two shots on goal, 19 shifts for 12:50 of ice time. He also had a 26-second power play shift and 27-second penalty kill shift. And he was 1-0 in the faceoff circle.
Coaches and Teammates Praise
Sacco said Duran’s line was one of the better lines offensively.
“I know Pasta’s line does (a lot of) the scoring, but that other line with him and Fraser and Koozie developed and generated good scoring chances in the second period,” Sacco said.
Bruins alternate captain David Pastrnak agreed.
“I thought that was our best line,” Pastrnak said. “Riley, Minty, and Kooz, they played really well together. They made nice plays and were fun to watch. I was really impressed.”
Feeling at Home in Boston
A former Providence College Friar, Duran played 102 career NCAA games from 2021-24, scoring 27 goals and 55 points. Drafted by Boston in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Duran has always wanted to wear the Bruins jersey.
“I’ve worked out here in the summer,” Duran said. “Everyone welcomed me in with open arms and it felt comfortable. I was just a little nervous going into my first game as usual. I played pretty good. It’s just a tough loss.”
It was a crazy 24 hours but Duran wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“It was a lot tougher, but it’s over with,” Duran said. “I’m glad to share this with family and friends. It was awesome.”
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