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Here's the exciting update on Zdeno Chara: we don't really have one.
#NHLBruins coach Bruce Cassidy meeting with the media this morning before returning to Boston.
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 4, 2019
No update on Zdeno Chara. Will have to wait for team to get home to find out more. pic.twitter.com/GjnoDdZhjL
The initial thought in this is that it's not really good news. If the Bruins thought Chara's ailment could be healed with rest, we probably wouldn't hear "we'll see."
The guess is that Chara needs to see a specialist of some kind to assess the level of damage, reportedly to his teeth but potentially to his jaw.
Zdeno Chara update per Bruce Cassidy: “Was very uncomfortable and was advised not to return...wanted to be on bench for his teammates. Don’t know his status for Game 5.” pic.twitter.com/Y59XnePA2e
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 4, 2019
The guess here is that they were able to do some quick dental work that was in danger of coming out if Chara got hit, potentially making the situation worse.
It seems like the ideal scenario is that it's dental issue and that Chara is able to get a more stable fix put in today or tomorrow. That would give him a day or so to feel things out.
Still, it was good to see Chara on the bench in the third, even if the ending wasn't great. A guy with that much experience can still help the team from the bench, calling out coverage, offering advice, etc.
Of course, he wanted to be out there instead.
Marchand on Chara: "If it wasn't for the doctor, he would've played that game. He's that kind of guy that you're going to have to kill him to keep him off. He's an absolute leader and those things you gain respect for him every single day with what he's willing to go through."
— Joe McDonald (@JoeyMacHockey) June 4, 2019
Let's hope his Game 5 impact is on the ice instead.