BOSTON -- Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara is showing an incredible amount of toughness in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup FInal.
The B's captain is in the lineup to face the St. Louis Blues despite reportedly suffering a broken jaw in Game 4 of the series Monday night. After not practicing Wednesday, Chara took part in Thursday's optional morning skate equipped with a shield to protect his face, while also not wearing a non-contact jersey. Both were signs that a return to action was at promising.
Bruins fans at TD Garden gave Chara a rousing ovation during the introductions of the starting lineups before Thursday night's matchup. Check out the scene in the video below:
Chara's teammates have raved about his toughness and leadership since the end of Game 4, and Bruins forward Brad Marchand put it best before Thursday's morning skate.
"He's an incredibly tough man. He's willing to play through anything," Marchand said. "It just shows so much character in him, with what he's been through and the fact he's out there this morning. There's a reason why he's still playing the game and why he's going to be a Hall of Fame player. He's willing to do anything, put his body through anything to win, especially this time of the year. When you see your captain doing that and playing through injuries like that, it's incredible to see. I have a lot of respect for him."
Chara's return is no doubt a meaningful boost to the Bruins blue line, but it will be interesting to see if he's on any type of minutes restricted.
Boston Bruins
The series is tied at two wins apiece entering Game 5.
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