Report: Chara uncertain about being ready for Bruins opener
The Boston Bruins went the distance last post-season, falling just short of a Stanley Cup championship. Although the shortcoming is in the past, team captain Zdeno Chara is still feeling the effects of a gruelling playoff run.
According to reports, Zdeno Chara suffered multiple jaw fractures and still laced them up for Games 5, 6, and 7 of the #StanleyCup Final. 😯 pic.twitter.com/TSEjjEwG77
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) June 14, 2019
After taking a puck to the mouth and suffering multiple fractures to his jaw in the Stanley Cup final, he continued to play, only missing one period in the series. This off-season, Chara additionally underwent an elbow procedure.
Given all of the ailments he’s had to battle, the veteran blue-liner wasn’t certain when asked if he’ll be ready for the team’s opening regular season match against the Dallas Stars on Oct. 3, according to Matt Porter of the Boston Globe.
“I’m not sure,” he said. “I think I should be, but it’s a process of making sure there are no setbacks or any discomfort.”
🎥 Zdeno Chara on his recovery from jaw and elbow injuries: "I'm still working on being at full strength. The process is still going on, getting stronger and healthier." pic.twitter.com/NKScXJe6Gj
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) September 6, 2019
“I think everything has been pretty much postponed by about six, seven weeks with all the surgeries I had and the rehab I had to go through,” the defenceman said. “I'm still recovering, still working on being at full strength, so it's still kind of going on, the process of getting stronger and healthier.”
Entering his 22nd NHL campaign, the best thing Chara could do is rest and return when he feels ready to play. Although, with Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo still unsigned, the team’s blue line could look a little thin to start the year.
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