Bruins Coach Praises Fourth Line After Preseason Game

The Boston Bruins had their first preseason game on Sunday, and coach Marco Sturm was impressed with one line.

Although Boston suffered a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals at home, there were some bright spots for Sturm. One of the bright spots was the play of the fourth line of Patrick Brown, Jeffrey Viel, and Riley Duran, all of whom are competing for a roster spot.

I really liked our fourth line,” Sturm said. “I actually thought they were our best line. They worked extremely hard. They brought us some energy. They were buzzing around and did exactly what I wanted them to do, so that was the best positive.”

The fourth line contributed a goal as Brown scored, while Viel and Duran both assisted on it.

Brown, 33, has spent the last two seasons in the Bruins’ organization and served as the captain of the Providence Bruins in the AHL last season, as he’s looking to earn a full-time role in the NHL this season.

Viel is entering his second season in the Bruins’ organization, as he appeared in five games for Boston last season. Duran, meanwhile, was selected 182nd overall in 2020 by Boston and appeared in his first two NHL games last season.

Boston will play the New York Rangers on the road on Tuesday in its second preseason game.

The Bruins open their 2025-26 NHL season on Oct. 8 against the Capitals on the road.