Boston Bruins fans, or at least ones from New England, will have a chance to watch their captain clash with their country in Team USA’s Olympic opener Thursday. Zdeno Chara figures to play much the same role for the opposing Slovaks as he does for the black and gold.
In short, that means big minutes and big matchups for the towering defenseman. It also means delving into a mixed realm of possibilities in each zone of a bigger ice sheet.
Granted, Chara is not a stranger to international ice, even in his professional career (per Elite Prospects). He has seen action in the Italy-hosted 2006 Olympics as well as the 2012 World Championships and 25 KHL games last season.
That notwithstanding, the caliber of competition in this tournament will make navigating Sochi’s surface a different voyage. His first test of American attackers will pack plenty of kinetic and crafty specimens, such as Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel, T.J. Oshie, Max Pacioretty and Zach Parise.
As Team USA’s lines take shape, multiple reports indicate that the top troika will have San Jose’s Joe Pavelski centering Kessel and James ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Al Daniel
How Zdeno Chara Will Impact USA Olympic Hockey Team’s Game vs. Slovakia
February 12th, 2014 by Al Daniel Leave a reply »
Advertisement