On Friday, Washington Capitals defenseman Zdeno Chara spoke to the media and discussed how special scoring his first goal as a member of the Capitals felt on Thursday night and how it will feel facing his former team on Saturday.
Big Z finally scored a goal as a member of the Capitals! Chara’s first goal of the season came late in the second period during Friday’s 6-3 comeback win over the New York Islanders. He called it a “special moment” and wanted to share the excitement with the entire bench.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED??? pic.twitter.com/LJrwGxcTw8
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 29, 2021
Chara explained the team has made the transition from the Boston Bruins “easy” and comfortable. He said there has been “so much help from everyone” — players, coaches, and staff, adding, it’s “definitely something I will always cherish.”
On facing the Bruins for the time, Chara expects it to be a “pretty normal” game. He knew it was coming up and has been “looking forward” to Saturday’s clash, calling it a “great challenge for us tomorrow night”. “[It’s] two really good teams playing for two points,” Chara said.
The 43-year-old blueliner “valued every teammate” in Boston during his 14-year tenure. He appreciates the friendships he’s made and respects his former teammates. Chara said he was “lucky and blessed” to have played for the Bruins. “[I] cherish those memories and celebrations winning the Stanley Cup”.
Although Chara is a veteran on the ice, he still considers himself a “student of the game” by always learning, improving, and getting better. Chara said, ” I don’t think that would ever change.” He mentioned that he tries to “be prepared and carry [himself] with a positive attitude”.
“We believe we have a good team, good system, and good structure,” Chara said on a new system under head coach Peter Laviolette, new faces, and new lineups recently. He noted the Capitals this season has as much depth as many years with Bruins. With several absences creating challenges, Chara said guys are “stepping up” and filling in the holes. “We try to do our best,” he said.
By Della Young
