Zdeno Chara appears to have recovered from whatever ailed him. Chara, who missed the Bruins’ 4-0 closeout win over the Carolina Hurricanes last Thursday with an undisclosed injury, participated in a 45-minute practice session at Warrior Ice Arena Monday and seems on track to play in the Stanley Cup Final, which begins Monday at TD Garden.
“I feel good, nice to be out there,” Chara said. “Good practice, good pace. I’m taking it one day at a time, tomorrow off day, back at it Wednesday.”
Chara had been expected to pace himself, taking advantage of the week-and-a-half break between games. On Sunday, he went through pre-practice drills with Steven Kampfer, then sat out the full session, and was not expected to join the team until Wednesday. But Chara skipped the gradual part of his recovery.
“He practiced, no issues,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said. “So, I guess tomorrow is a better day to evaluate if any soreness, stiffness. But we’re off, so tomorrow so he’ll get some rest and get ready to go Wednesday.” The Bruins and Chara treated the situation as if he had never been gone, and he did not hold back during five-on-five and one-on-one drills.
