Zdeno Chara #33 of the New York Islanders warms up prior to the game against the Florida Panthers at the FLA Live Arena on October 16, 2021 in Sunrise, Florida. Credit: Getty Images/Joel Auerbach
CHICAGO – It’s hard not to notice Zdeno Chara because, well, he’s 6-9, 250 pounds and a future Hall of Famer still playing in the NHL at 44 years old.
But the Islanders didn’t sign the defenseman just for his unique size and longevity. Chara was brought in to aid the club’s stated desire to win the Stanley Cup. A13-game road trip continued Tuesday night against Chicago in the United Center home opener and Chara’s first two games back in an Islanders’ jersey – he was traded away in 2001 – did not go as planned.