Bruins Chara Talks Captaincy, Playoffs
BOSTON (CBS) - Since signing with the Bruins in 2006, Zdeno Chara has worn the coveted "C" on his sweater.
The Bruins named Chara the team's 18th captain after signing the defender to a five-year, $36.5 million contract. Five years later, it's still an honor he takes a lot of pride in.
"When the times are kind of tough, you have to make sure everybody sticks together, keep it positive and not to get on each other," Chara told WBZ-TV's Dan Roche of his responsibilities. "When the times are kind of too loose you have to make sure you crank on a few things, and realize you have to be better. It's a balance where you have to feel for it. Obviously we have a group of leaders that are sharing the responsibilities. It's a great thing to have."
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Chara named Mark Recchi, Patrice Bergeron and Andrew Ference among the other leaders on the Bruins. Although he is the lone captain, Chara does not mind when others give him an assist.
Zdeno Chara Talks About Being Bruins Captain
"I like to be vocal, I like to be involved in things. At times, you also have to realize you have to back off and let other people speak out and be more involved."
"The chemistry is really good," Chara said of his team that locked up the Northeast Division with a 3-2 win over Atlanta on Saturday. "Everybody's getting along. It's very important for a team to be successful. You have to have a healthy team inside the locker room, then obviously you perform well on the ice."
Chara is hoping the team chemistry translates into a late postseason run. The Bruins' dreams of a Stanley Cup last season were cut short when the Philadelphia Flyers shocked them with an historic comeback from three-games to none deficit in the second round. It is something Chara wants to forget about, but also use to fuel the fire.
"You put it behind you, it's something you don't want to think about it too much," Chara said. "But it's motivation. It's something you want to prove was just a bad round for us. For sure, it's new motivation for us this year."
Tuesday Night's Bruins-Rangers game can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. with The Dunkin Donuts Bruins Pregame Show.
