Photo: @hockeynight
During the first television timeout of their game against the Washington Capitals at TD Garden on Wednesday night, the Boston Bruins paid tribute to their 14-year-old captain Zdeno Chara.
👏 👏 👏 #ThankYouZee pic.twitter.com/2Fp2RhSxlp
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 4, 2021
The 43-year-old defenseman signed with the Bruins in 2006 after spending four seasons with each of the New York Islanders, who drafted him 56th overall in 1996, and Ottawa Senators. After the Bruins could not guarantee a regular playing spot for Chara this season due to their desire to play younger defensemen, Chara signed a one-year contract with the Capitals on December 30.
He tallied two goals, nine points, and a +16 rating in 24 games during the Bruins’ run to the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Chara recorded three goals, 15 points, and a +7 rating in 22 Stanley Cup Playoff games in 2013, where the Bruins fell to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Final. He posted two goals, six points, a +11 rating in 23 games in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where the Bruins fell to the St. Louis Blues in the Stanley Cup Final.
Chara won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman in 2008-09 and the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2010-2011. In 1023 career regular-season games with the Bruins, Chara recorded 141 goals, 481 points, and a +240 rating, including 12 goals and 42 points in 79 games during a career-best season in 2011-12.
Chara owns the NHL-record for the hardest shot (108.8 miles-per-hour), which was set in 2012. He has played in the NHL All-Star Game six times.
Chara, who has recorded two goals, six points, and a +10 rating in 21 games this season, will play in front of the Bruins faithful for the first time as a Capital on Sunday, April 18.
By Harrison Brown
