Boston captain Zdeno Chara, who missed a chunk of yesterday's 2-1 win over the Capitals with an undisclosed injury, was not aboard the team's charter flight to New York last night and, according to his agent, will not be in uniform this afternoon when the Bruins face the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
"He's banged up, that's about all I can say about it," said agent Matt Keator, responding to Canadian media reports that suggested his star client could be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season. "He's definitely not finished for the season. He should be fine. I don't think he is going to miss much time at all."
According to Keator, the 30-year-old Chara was resting comfortably last night at the towering defenseman's downtown condominium. He and Chara have plans to watch the Bruins-Rangers matchup on TV this afternoon at Chara's place.
"You could see he was hurting in the third period, too," said Keator. "But, hey, the guy's a warrior . . . he wanted to be out there."
Chara scored the tying goal in the third period, set up by David Krejci. He was also on the ice when Krejci dished over to Marco Sturm for the winner.
Following the victory, the Bruins announced that Matt Lashoff had been recalled from the club's AHL affiliate in Providence. Chara's absence all but guarantees that Lashoff, 21, will suit up for his 10th game this season with the varsity. Earlier this season, he went 1-1 -2 in nine games.
KEVIN PAUL DUPONT
