3 Reasons Why Zdeno Chara Is Vital to the Bruins
Jan 20, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) screens goalie Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) during the second period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Bruins were without star defenseman Zdeno Chara against the St. Louis Blues yesterday, as the Bruins captain went to Sochi to represent his country, Slovakia, in the Winter Olympics’ opening flag ceremony. After a furious comeback in the second period, the B’s fell short in overtime, losing 3-2 to the Blues. T.J. Oshie‘s game-winner trickled past Tuukka Rask on a feeble wrap-around attempt. Would Chara have helped capture a triumph for the B’s? Most certainly. Here are the top 3 reasons why “Z” is essential to the Bruins’ winning ways.
Feb 4, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Vancouver Canucks center Henrik Sedin (33) battles with Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) behind the net with goalie Tuukka Rask (40) during the first period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
3. Chara’s Poke Check and Long Reach
Besides his height, Chara’s most noticeable physical quality must be his massive reach. Chara can wipe out a perfect scoring chance with one swipe of his 65-inch hockey stick. How many defensemen have a wingspan over seven feet? Not many. Chara puts his lengthy arms to work along the boards, easily jarring the puck free and controlling possible slip ups around the net. He prevents those frustrating goals.
January 7, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) skates into position against the Anaheim Ducks during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
2. Advancing the Puck Up Ice
Once again, its Chara’s composure that is well-regarded. Following a turnover from the opponent, Zdeno tactfully advances the puck. His vision is not just excellent on his blasts from the blue line. He also sees the ice very well while passing, particularly as he approaches the neutral zone from the B’s end of the ice. From this area of the rink, Chara often facilitates successful scoring attacks.
Jan 11, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) takes a shot on goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
1. Offensive Presence on the Power Play
Chara is one of the premier NHL defenders on power plays. His rocket slapshot makes his position at the point extremely dangerous for opposing teams. One of Chara’s amazing attributes, though, is his ability to find those open shooting lanes, especially on the power play. Therefore, Chara isn’t going to force his blistering shot on the man advantage. He will move the puck with patience, finding an open teammate if necessary.
Chara’s pinching expertise marks another feature in his power play arsenal. His knack for pinching down low maintains the puck in the opponents’ zone. When Chara utilizes his big body along the boards, it is very difficult for any team to clear the puck.