Zdeno Chara will be back at TD Garden Wednesday night for the first time as a member of the Washington Capitals. While it won't be quite as special as it should be given that there will be no fans in attendance to give him what would be a well-deserved, lengthy standing ovation, it's still a special trip for Chara.
Even more importantly than getting back on the Garden ice, Chara got to see his family in person when the Capitals arrived in Boston, something he has only been able to do virtually this season as his wife and three children have remained at their home in Boston this season.
"It was really nice to see them after a long time and be a dad for one day again," Chara told the media Tuesday.
Chara said it's "exciting" to be back, but said he'll prepare for Wednesday's game the same way he prepares for every game. Asked if he has a message for Bruins fans even though he won't get to see them, Chara shared a heartfelt thank-you for the way they treated him during his 14 seasons in Boston.
"I think from Day 1 in 2006 when I signed with the Boston Bruins, I feel really connected with Boston fans and the city of Boston," Chara said. "I developed so many great friendships and connections, and we went through so many ups and downs together. We always felt their energy and support being with us, behind us in those times.
"The best moment that we can all probably share was to bring the Stanley Cup back to Boston in 2011. I can't tell you how much I appreciate and how lucky and blessed I am to share these celebrations with the fans, and everything they've done for me and my family, all these communities I've been part of. So, I just want to thank them for everything they've done for me and my family and for the support and for the love."
Chara and the Capitals sit just behind the Bruins in third place in the East Division on points percentage going into Wednesday's game. They have two more points than the Bruins, but in two more games played. Washington has bounced back nicely from a four-game losing streak earlier this month, winning six of its last eight and each of its last three.
Chara continues to be a key part of their success, as he ranks third on the team in ice time at 19:24 per game while playing all 21 games so far. He has two goals, four assists and a plus-10 rating.
The Bruins and Capitals split their two games in Washington earlier this season, with the Bruins coming back from a 3-0 deficit in both games -- losing 4-3 in overtime in the first and then winning 5-3 in regulation in the second. Chara scored against his former team in the second meeting.
