Zdeno Chara

Zdeno Chara to talk over future with family as he ponders returning for 24th NHL season

Norris Trophy-winning Zdeno Chara pondered retirement during the 2020 offseason, but opted to leave the Boston Bruins and sign with the Washington Capitals after a secret meeting with Peter Laviolette in Longboat Key and getting “an opportunity that I didn’t want to pass up on.” Chara, who was in search of his second Stanley Cup, found the signing with Washington “a good fit for me and my family.”

Chara was fantastic and durable in a third-pairing role for the Capitals, skating with Nick Jensen and playing in 55 of 56 games. Chara, the tallest player in NHL history, scored 10 points (2g, 8a) and was a penalty-kill specialist. He became the fifth defenseman in NHL history to play in 1,600 games in April.

Ultimately, Chara’s dream of lifting the Stanley Cup again ended in the first round of the 2021 playoffs when his former teammates from Boston eliminated Washington in five games. It was the third consecutive season the Caps had been first-rounded since winning a championship in 2018.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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How a previously unknown meeting in Longboat Key helped the Capitals sign Zdeno Chara over the offseason

Zdeno Chara was named the Capitals’ Masterton Trophy nominee on Monday. The award is given out annually to the NHL player who shows the most perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

“Those two words, I don’t think that you can use two better words to describe (Zdeno Chara) [the] player or [the] person than dedication and perseverance,” Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette said. “I think that it’s a terrific choice for the Masterton and somebody’s that’s well-deserving.”

Laviolette was then asked for an “example, anecdote, or a behind-the-scenes tale” that perfectly described the future Hall of Fame defenseman. Laviolette decided to share a story that gave background behind how the Capitals inked Chara on December 30 to a one-year contract. Zee’s signing with Washington was one of the biggest surprises of the NHL’s offseason.

The anecdote involves a barrier island on the gulf coast of Florida that is known for its crystal clear water.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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Zdeno Chara named Capitals’ nominee for Masterton Trophy

The Washington chapter of the PHWA* announced on Monday that it nominated Zdeno Chara as the Capitals’ representative for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

The award is given out annually to the NHL player who shows the most perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

Chara, 44, is playing in his 23rd season in the NHL.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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Garrett Pilon will make his NHL debut against the Flyers. Zdeno Chara, incredibly, has now played games with both him and his dad Rich.

Garrett Pilon, 23, has spent the last three seasons with the Hershey Bears. Saturday, the Capitals’ 2016 third-round pick will realize a dream he had as a kid.

Pilon will make his debut against the Philadelphia Flyers, Saturday night. The Capitals recalled Pilon from the Hershey Bears around 5 PM and sent down Daniel Carr.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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Zdeno Chara serves as alternate captain with John Carlson out against Penguins

John Carlson was unable to suit up against the Pittsburgh Penguins Thursday due to a lower-body injury. With the team’s captain, Alex Ovechkin, already out, the Capitals debuted a new leadership team out on the ice.

Future Hall of Famer Zdeno Chara was named an alternate captain for the first time with the Capitals. Chara joined Nicklas Backstrom and TJ Oshie as the other alternates.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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Zdeno Chara is now the oldest player in NHL history to receive a fighting major

Zdeno Chara accomplished some history in his head-punching exhibition of Matt Martin on Tuesday.

Chara, at 44 years and 40 days old, became the oldest player in NHL history to receive a fighting major.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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JG Pageau challenges Zdeno Chara and Tom Wilson, instantly regrets it

New York Islanders forward JG Pageau is generously listed as 5’10” and 180 pounds on his NHL.com profile page.

Pageau looked every inch of it during a late third-period fracas he instigated with Zdeno Chara and Tom Wilson, two of the tallest players in the league, during the New York Islanders’ 1-0 loss at Capital One Arena.

Trying to get his team going, Pageau started mouthing off and getting into the two Capitals’ faces. It did not end well.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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Zdeno Chara just beat up Matt Martin after the Islanders forward boarded Michael Raffl

Ultimate Capitals teammate Zdeno Chara just morphed into The Incredible Hulk to defend Michael Raffl after a very bad hit by Matt Martin.

Raffl, who had his back turned, was knocked headfirst into the boards by the Islanders forward and laid on the ice in pain.

A furious Chara dropped his gloves with Martin and in the words of Joe Beninati “rained rights” onto the veteran’s face.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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Zdeno Chara posts sweet message for Capitals teammates and family after playing in 1,600th NHL game

Zdeno Chara took to Instagram on Sunday to reflect on playing in his 1,600th NHL game.

Chara became the 13th player of all time and the fifth defenseman to ever reach the mark. The Capitals saluted Chara with a tribute video on social media. After the game, Nicklas Backstrom gave Zee the milestone game puck while Nick Jensen and Michael Raffl gave the towering rearguard both of the Cobra Kai headbands for player of the game.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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Capitals players gave Zdeno Chara both Cobra Kai headbands after his 1,600th NHL game

The Washington Capitals went all out to honor Zdeno Chara after playing his 1,600th NHL game on Saturday. The Capitals presented Zee with a game puck and then gave him a ridiculous, but rare honor.

Nick Jensen and Michael Raffl gave Chara both postgame Cobra Kai ninja headbands, becoming the first Capitals player this season to receive the distinction.

Chara responded to the honor like you’d imagine: he buried his head in intense embarrassment.

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By Ian Oland 2 years ago

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