Zdeno Chara’s absence from the Boston Bruins’ lineup is not expected to last very long.
The Bruins took care of business on Thursday night, shutting out the Carolina Hurricanes 4-0 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference final to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.
Chara, the team’s captain, did not play in the game for undisclosed reasons. Although he missed the game, Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said they expect to have the massive defenseman back for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Bruce Cassidy expects Zdeno Chara to play Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. He's dealing with an undisclosed injury.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 17, 2019
Chara had not missed a playoff game since 2011 prior to Thursday night. The 42-year-old has been a +11 in the playoffs and has three points in 16 games.
The Bruins await the winner of the Western Conference final between San Jose and St. Louis, which the Sharks lead 2-1. That series could be over as early as Game 5 on Sunday, or last as long as Game 7 on Thursday May 23.
