BOSTON -- The crowd at TD Garden chanted Zdeno Chara's name as he took the ice before the national anthem. Then the arena erupted when Boston's captain was introduced in the starting lineup.
The Bruins didn't know what they'd get out of the 42-year-old defenseman, who made the decision to play less than 72 hours after reportedly breaking his jaw, but his presence alone gave the Bruins a lift.
"He was medically cleared with some warnings," Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. "Made the decision to play. Inspirational for us. Good player for us. We knew he wouldn't be 100 percent, so we were happy to have him.