Boston Bruins

Zdeno Chara Officially Out of Game 4 vs. Carolina

Published

5 years ago

May 16, 2019

The Boston Bruins depth will be put to the test again as defenseman Zdeno Chara has been ruled out of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes due to an injury. Originally Chara was listed by the Bruins as a game-time decision but did not participate in warmups prior to Game 4. John Moore will take his place in the lineup. Moore is paired with Connor Clifton on defense.

UPDATE: Zdeno Chara (day-to-day) will not play in tonight’s game.

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) May 16, 2019

It was first reported on 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston on the Mike Felger and Tony Massarotti show. Mike Felger said something might be up. When the first team bus arrived, there was no sign of Chara. Usually, Chara is on that bus with teammates Patrice Bergeron and David Backes.

The first #NHLBruins bus has David Backes and Patrice Bergeron leading the way. Normally Zdeno Chara is with this crew, but not today pic.twitter.com/tRkTW2e3YB

— The Camera Guys (@NBCSCameraGuys) May 16, 2019

As Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy noted on Wednesday as the team held an off-day practice, Chara was not a participant. The team classified Chara’s absence as a maintenance day. The Bruins did not hold a game-day skate. Chara went through the usual routine like he was going to play.

Chara is a considerable loss for the Bruins. He eats up important minutes, especially on the penalty kill. Chara has kept the speedy Carolina forwards to the perimeter and limited their shot opportunities. Chara may not be as mobile as he used to be, but he brings a calming presence to the lineup.

Boston is already without Chris Wagner, who was sent back to Boston for further evaluations on his injured wrist. The Bruins were in a similar position in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final when Charlie McAvoy was suspended for an illegal check to the head in the previous round against Columbus. Former Boston University teammates Matt Grezlcyk and Charlie McAvoy are the top pairing.