33 Zdeno Chara D

Bruins' Zdeno Chara: Played through finger and shoulder injuries

Chara's injuries didn't prevent him from logging key minutes during the Bruins' postseason run, but the blueliner's finger issue, coupled with an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder, didn't help his cause. Chara believes that he won't need surgery to address his finger issue, noting that it should heal up in about six weeks. Meanwhile, offseason rest and management should allow his shoulder woes to abate. The 41-year-old should thus be good to go in time for next season's training camp. Though Chara has lost a step at this stage of his career and is no longer a power-play mainstay, the 6-foot-9, 250-pounder remains a strong shut-down defender, as evidenced by the plus-22 mark he logged through 73 regular-season games, while notching seven goals and 24 points.

Bruins' Zdeno Chara: Returns to action

The Bruins' captain and shut-down blueliner logged a team-high 2:56 worth of penalty-killing duty in his return from a nine-game absence, while taking his regular shift on a pairing with Nick Holden. Looking ahead, there's a solid chance that Chara will be reunited with his usual defensive partner Charlie McAvoy (knee) as soon as Tuesday night's road game against the Lightning.

Bruins' Zdeno Chara: Back in business

The return of Chara, who last suited up March 13, arrives at a good time, with fellow defender Brandon Carlo now sidelined with what has the looks of a long-term lower-leg injury. Though Chara may have lost a step at this stage of his career and no longer sees regular power-play duty, his conditioning, veteran savvy and long reach help him remain a strong shut-down defender for the Bruins. To date, he's logged seven goals and 23 points to go along with a plus-26 mark over the course of 68 games.

Bruins' Zdeno Chara: Set to return Sunday

Chara was injured in Carolina back on March 13 and has missed the last nine games since the incident. The 6-foot-9 blueliner has potted seven goals and 23 points in 68 games on the season, alongside a plus-26 rating and 134 hits. Chara's return is big for the Bruins, even if it won't do too much from a fantasy perspective.

Bruins' Zdeno Chara: Will be on charter to Philadelphia

The towering blueliner remains a steady two-way contributor when healthy. While 40-point seasons have been siphoned from this tank, he's still had enough gas to muster 23 points, 134 hits and 114 blocked shots to complement a plus-26 rating through 68 games this season. Keep a close eye on Chara's progress, as the Bruins only have five games left in the regular season.