With Chara hurt, Bruins need help on defense for Game 5

By Jimmy Golen The Associated Press

5 years ago

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara, of Slovakia, kneels on the ice after being hit in the fac ... — Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara, of Slovakia, kneels on the ice after being hit in the face by the puck during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final against the St. Louis Blues Monday, June 3, 2019, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33), of Slovakia, is helped off the ice after getting hit in the face with the puck during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final against the St. Louis Blues Monday, June 3, 2019, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara, of Slovakia, lies on the ice after getting hit in the face with the puck during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final against the St. Louis Blues Monday, June 3, 2019, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33), of Slovakia, leaves the ice after being hit in the face by the puck during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Final against the St. Louis Blues Monday, June 3, 2019, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Scott Kane)

BEDFORD, Mass. — Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy says Zdeno Chara will be checked out in Boston to see whether he will be able to play in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Chara took a deflected puck off his face in the second period of Game 4 on Monday night, which the St. Louis Blues won 4-2 to tie the series at two games apiece. He returned to the bench for the third period wearing a full face shield, but he did not play.

Cassidy said after the game that Chara wanted to play but doctors told him not to. Chara’s teammates say they’re not surprised that he wanted to get back on the ice.

Game 5 is Thursday night in Boston.