Chara still relishes challenge of shutting down young star McDavid

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BRIGHTON, Mass – 41-year-old Zdeno Chara couldn’t help but chuckle when the subject of his age came up in conversation about an NHL that’s evolved into a faster, more skill-oriented hockey league the past 10 years.

“[The league] is young, but I don’t look at it as comparing the ages,” said Chara. “It’s not about the age, it’s about what you do on the ice. I’m very much aware of my age, but it doesn’t have to be reminded to me every pregame. But it’s also one thing I’m proud of that I’m still able to play.”

Chara may have lost a half-step and the 6-foot-9 defenseman has those days on the ice when his skating legs feel every bit of his 41 years, particularly when the schedule and travel requirements are at their toughest. He makes up for any lost skating speed through toughness and strength, his super-long reach with his stick and the experience and intelligence that he brings to the table. All of that still makes him the NHL’s premier shutdown D-man.

With that in mind, there’s still a bit more of a glint in his eye and a little more spring in that step when Chara knows there’s a matchup with a player such as Connor McDavid on tap like tonight when the Edmonton Oilers come to town.

McDavid, 21, has just one game under his belt this season with a couple of helpers in an opening game loss played in Sweden, but should have his good skating legs after a couple of off days following the team’s return from Europe. McDavid had 41 goals and 108 points for the Oil last season while blending his style of blazing speed and pretty good size at 6-foot-1, 190-pounds, and is just the latest in a long line of superstars that Chara looks forward to shutting down. 

“You try to do your best every game, especially against very skilled players,” said Chara. “It’s not always going to be perfect or ideal, but you have to compete and do your best. I love my job. I love competing and I love playing against top lines. I’d be lying if I said it’s not [a privilege]. Not many guys get to play against [Connor McDavid] and if you do it’s a privilege.

“If you’re playing against Wayne, or Mario, Sid or Ovi, it’s exciting. It’s a challenge, but it’s very much exciting because you’re playing against the best in the world. That’s what you want and that’s what you dream of. If you ask any kid at a young age, they would love to be in our shoes either competing with or against those guys.”

One can’t help but get caught up listening to the future Hall of Famer who can bridge the gap between the Great One and McDavid and who has shut down each of them. Certainly, there will be something special to watch in the ultra-skilled McDavid gliding around the Garden ice, but the still-dominant presence of Chara lurking in the D-zone qualifies as pretty special as well. 

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