Boston Bruins Captain Zdeno Chara Records 600th NHL Point in Win Against Nashville Predators
When you play hockey until you’re 40 years old, you’re bound to reach milestones. For Boston Bruins’ captain Zdeno Chara, that was exactly the case when he recorded his 600th career NHL point in the Bruins’ win over the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. Entering the game with 599 points, Chara recorded an assist on the Bruins’ first goal of the game to give him 600 in his nearly 20-season career.
While 600 points may not seem like much when looking at a player like Erik Karlsson who is still only 26 years old and who has played 553 games, it’s important to dig deeper. Chara and Karlsson, play two completely different games. Chara’s task every single game is to shut down opposing teams’ best players. The age of shutdown defensemen is quickly dying, however, as players like Karlsson become the new model – mobile defenders who can chip in some offense on a consistent basis. Chara’s job has never been to produce points – his 600 in his career, then, become far more impressive in perspective.
Big Week for the Big Man
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It’s been a big week for the 6-foot-9 defender already, as his 600th point is just another feather in his cap after being nominated for the Masterton Trophy. The Masterton trophy is awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies “the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”
"“From my first day in the NHL until today it is an absolute thrill to play in the league,” said Chara. “It’s a great honor to be nominated. I always take a lot of pride in doing my job as a professional, and doing it right. Doing all of my work on and off the ice. I’ve always felt really humble about being a part of this league and this game. It’s a game that gives you so much in life, and helps you become a better person and a better hockey player each day."
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Playing in his 11th season with the Bruins, Chara has earned his fair share of accomplishments. With just one year remaining on his contract following this season, the clock is ticking on the big man winning another Stanley Cup Championship. If the Bruins want to give their captain another ring to add to his collection, they’ll need to continue to win as they have in their last two games against the New York Islanders and Nashville Predators.