Update: The latest rumor is that Zdeno Chara’s issue is knee-related and that he could miss four-to-six weeks.
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It’s unclear what is bothering Zdeno Chara, but it’s bad enough to end his Thursday night early. The Boston Bruins announced that he won’t return to tonight’s game against the New York Islanders, yet they didn’t even indicate which half of his body has been damaged.
The precise moment of injury is unclear. Perhaps the best guess is that Chara ended up getting the worst from his big hit on Islanders star John Tavares.
Here’s video of the collision:
Saw a replay of Zdeno Chara/John Tavares collision where Tavares right knee hits Chara's left knee head on. It didnt look great #BruinsTalk
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) October 24, 2014
Of course, it could be any number of other factors. At 37, Chara’s in that age range where injuries become more common, even for noted workout warriors like himself.
With such little information available, it might not even be a traditional “injury,” as the Boston Globe’s Amalie Benjamin notes.
Just as a word of caution: We know absolutely nothing about Chara right now. Could be food poisoning, could be out for the season. No idea.
— Amalie Benjamin (@AmalieBenjamin) October 24, 2014
On a night when Bruins fans warmly embraced former defenseman Johnny Boychuk, his absence may seem that much more glaring.
Bruins announce Zdeno Chara done for the night. That's up there w/Dogs & Cats living together as a reason for Mass Hysteria #Ghostbusters
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) October 24, 2014
The Bruins weren’t offering any updates after tonight’s 3-2 loss to the Islanders:
No further update from Julien on Zee at this time ^CS
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 24, 2014