Zdeno Chara’s status remains unclear ahead of Game 5
Bruce Cassidy said Tuesday that he may dress seven defensemen in Game 5 if neither Zdeno Chara nor Matt Grzelcyk can play.
The Zdeno Chara watch continues. Reports have circulated that the Bruins captain suffered a broken jaw, but the team has yet to disclose the extent of Chara’s injury or whether he would be available to play in Game 5.
A source familiar with the situation confirms to @TheAthleticNHL that Boston defenseman Zdeno Chara has a broken jaw. #stlblues @FlutoShinzawa @JoeyMacHockey
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) June 4, 2019
Coach Bruce Cassidy did give a glimpse into the team’s thinking if both Chara and Matt Grzelcyk are unavailable for Game 5.
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“If we are out two D, Griz and Zee, we might have to play seven defensemen. Putting guys in that haven’t played a ton,’’ said Cassidy.
“Maybe you got to look at how does this best work out to use a guy situationally, take Zee’s PK minutes, if the other guys match up, which of course would be reaching into an area that a young kid hasn’t played in the playoffs at all. You have to be careful there.’’
Some indications of Chara’s status could begin to emerge Wednesday morning when the Bruins hold a practice – will Chara be there or not?
Things to know
The Bruins have been tied 2-2 in the Final on four previous occasions, losing Game 5 each time, but winning the Cup once (2011 vs. VAN). The Blues will play a Game 5 for the first time ever in the Stanley Cup Final . . . Regardless of the Game 5 outcome, the Bruins own an all-time series record of 18-16 (.529) when a best-of-seven is tied after four games; the Blues are 10-15 (.400) in that scenario.
