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He shook hands honestly with each opponent. The presentation at Patrice Bergeron was especially touching. After his departure, the long-term “consigliere” Zdena Chára took over the captain’s “céčko” in Boston. Deservedly, he now moved him through the first hurdle in the playoffs, which was ambitious Washington.
It will all depend on whether ZDENO CHÁRA still finds motivation, says MARIÁN HOSSA
The forty-four-year-old Slovak defender came to the Capitals as one of the last pieces of the winning jigsaw puzzle. The experience-packed line-up of coach Petr Laviolett was composed to end its year in the summer. However, the reality is different. The team from the US capital went through the basic part well, but in the first round it came across the Bruins, who eliminated it with a too smooth 4: 1 ratio for matches.
The “bubble” lacked offensive energy a year ago in Boston, when it encountered the later championship Tampa, and the obsolete cadre of Washington had the same problem. He is thus looking forward to the team in which Chára proudly wore a “céčko” on his jersey for fifteen years. However, he was unwanted before this season.
“I don’t even know how to thank Zden anymore. He taught me how to be a pro, he was our great leader. Shaking hands evoked emotions in me, “ Boston star David Pastrnak spoke after the series.
“We fought side by side in the playoff series. It was strange to play against him, “ added Patrice Bergeron.
The decisive duel of the series was double for Zdena Chára in the playoffs. Of the Slovaks, only Marián Hossa played them more, who skated them 205.
Chára signed a contract with the Capitals precisely because of their ambition and desire to raise Stanley’s cup over their heads once again. He succeeded in 2011 and was also very close to it twice more. In 2013, he was stopped by Chicago with Marián Hoss and Michal Handzuš. He had the most famous hockey trophy within reach even two years ago, when he and the Bruins lost to St. Louis Blues in the seventh decisive match.
Joy of Zdena Chára (Washington Capitals) after the match with the New York Rangers
Zdroj: SITA / AP
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WANTED TO SHOW THAT HE HAS TO DO IT
“If I feel on the ice that it is no longer possible, I will quit. But I still enjoy it. I love working hard and I feel I have something to offer. My main motivation is to show that I still have it, “ said Trenčan after signing a contract with Capitals.
There is no disappointment in his performances. He played well. In the basic part he managed 55 matches, in which he had ten points. He still performed his defensive roles honestly and well, skating for almost three minutes as a leader in weaknesses. Even in the playoffs, it was not a loser, although in five matches he played a more significant role in only two. In the next three, he skated on average for only about fourteen minutes.
“It simply came to our notice then. He played honestly in defense, fought, set an example to teammates on and off the ice. He was a team mentor. It brought what we expected, ” said coach Peter Laviolette about defender before the playoffs for The Athletic.
We can’t see Char’s head, but if he still feels the chance to play, he may be pursuing a career. Even fans on social networks are not convinced that it will end. He still has a lot of attractions. It just depends on whether the team that still has a real chance to fight for the Stanley Cup will respond. He also has to decide if he can do another year without a family living in Boston.
Photo gallery
Zdeno Chara.
Source: Reuters
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ŠATAN HAS IT BETWEEN THE THREE BEST
“With Zden, overcoming 1,600 NHL games is a huge deal. I played 1,000 meetings myself and I know how difficult it is. He deserves admiration for his commitment to sports and endurance. He is definitely one of the three best hockey players in Slovak history with Petr Šťastný and Marián Hoss, ” Miroslav Šatan told us.
If Chara extended his career, he would still be interesting for the national team towards the Beijing Olympics, where NHL hockey players will perform after a break. “It simply came to our notice then. He has to decide for himself whether he wants to continue, “ added the head of SZĽH.
If the iconic thirty-three were to cover another season, great historical numbers would open before it. He is currently in thirteenth place in the historical table with 1,608 matches. The defenders ahead are only Ray Bourque, Larry Murphy, Scott Stevens and Chris Chelios. The next season, Chara would get ahead of them, as the first Chris Chelios with 1,651 matches is in sight. Overall, the Slovak could move to seventh place.
“Similar numbers are motivating, even if Zdeno does not say it out loud. Time passes, it still plays and never speak never. I don’t know what traces the early drop-out in the playoffs left on him. The big thing was when he surpassed his favorite player and the model of Nicklas Lidström in the number of matches. That was a great satisfaction. Zdeno was also very appreciated when he received a congratulatory message from Nick, “ Marián Hossa, who is two years younger than his friend from Trenčín, told us.
Photo gallery
Zdeno Chara of the Washington Capitals
Source: Reuters
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THE NHL WILL BE INTERESTED IN HIM
The icon of Slovak hockey also commented on the possibility of continuing Chára’s career. “A lot will depend on how he is motivated by the end of this season. Zdeno always worked hard, he had a good lifestyle. It’s about finding motivation. He would have lasted until he was fifty, as I know him. I admire that he can also work in the cabin with guys who are twenty years younger than him. ”
Hossa would probably also be pursuing a career in his forties if he had no problems with skin allergies. According to one of the best hockey players in Slovak history, Chára has long decided whether he wants to continue when Boston did not offer him a sufficient role.
Both legendary Slovak hockey players are connected by a relaxed family background. “It’s very important when you have everything in order at home. Family well-being can help you more significantly. You have a clear head and you can give the best possible performance, “ added.
The former great winger sees the positive for Chara in his post. “Zdeno has the advantage of being a defender and he knows what is expected of him. He can still clean it in front of the goal, he has a huge reach with a hockey stick and he can be a leader in the cabin. He also has a lot of experience, which he has a huge experience. I think there will still be NHL teams that want to have him in the squad. Much will also depend on how he decides after talking to the family. Still, it was difficult when he was a few months away from the children and his wife, “ said the three-time Stanley Cup winner.
There is currently only one certainty. Once Zdeno Chára decides to quit hockey, within three years he will definitely be the first choice when entering the Hockey Hall of Fame. As was the case with Marian Hoss.
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