Sportsnet’s Don Cherry praises Zdeno Chara for ‘tormenting’ Blues’ top goal scorer
The Bruins captain has pestered Vladimir Tarasenko all series.
At 42 years old, Zdeno Chara isn’t the perennial All-Star and James Norris trophy candidate he once was.
Still, the Bruins captain has been tasked with slowing down some of the top offensive weapons in the NHL during the team’s playoff run this season and has remained incredibly effective.
Following Boston’s 7-2 blowout victory in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday, former NHL head coach and current Sportsnet analyst Don Cherry examined Chara’s ability to halt the St. Louis Blues’ top goal scorer from the regular season, Vladimir Tarasenko:
Chara is not at the same level of athleticism as many of the players on the ice in this Stanley Cup Final. Instead, the 21-year vet uses his superior wit, positioning, and timing to disrupt the St. Louis attack and is a big reason why the Bruins hold a 2-1 advantage. In the 2018-19 playoffs, Chara leads the NHL in plus/minus at +12.
In Game 3 especially, the Bruins defense had their way with Tarasenko, as the two-time NHL All-Star Second-Team winger was unable to make much of an impact and failed to score.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9axiQ6WhgmQ
