Bruins’ Captain Zdeno Chara Expected To Return Thursday Vs. Blackhawks

Oct 21, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) during their game against the San Jose Sharks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) during their game against the San Jose Sharks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Bruins’ captain and top defenseman Zdeno Chara is expected to make his return to the lineup tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks. 

It looks like reinforcements are just over the horizon for the Boston Bruins.

Team captain Zdeno Chara is expected to make his return to the lineup tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks after missing the lat 19 games with a knee injury.

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The Bruins held on relatively well without their captain, going 11-7-1 over the span of his absence. Still, the team clearly missed his size, playing ability and leadership while he was gone. He will be a welcomed addition, as one of the top teams in the league, the Chicago Blackhawks, come to town.

The Blackhaws come in winning their last 7 games. The Bruins currently sit with a 15-12-1 record, which is good for the second wild card spot in the standings.

Since signing with the team in 2006, Zdeno Chara has been the teams leader in ice time. He has averaged 21:41 of ice time so far this season, before being hurt back on Oct. 23 in a game against the New York Islanders. It is very hard to replace those minutes, especially when they are usually against the opposing teams top players.

While Chara has been skating with the team the last couple of days and seems like he is good to go for tonight, one player who seems to be remaining out of the lineup is center David Krejci. Krejci has also been skating with the team the last couple days like Chara, but it seems he still needs a bit more time until he is ready to return.

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