Bruins Chara: 'I Didn't Do It Intentionally'
BOSTON (AP/CBS) - Bruins captain Zdeno Chara said he was "relieved" with the NHL's decision not to discipline him for his hit on the Canadiens Max Pacioretty on Tuesday night.
"It was just a hockey play that developed," Chara said Thursday morning. "I know deep down I didn't do it intentionally. I said it before it's not my style, it's not what I try to do. I never try to hurt anybody. I play physical, I play hard, that's not what I intended to do."
Zdeno Chara Talks About NHL's Decision, Pacioretty
Pacioretty, who suffered a severe concussion and fractured vertebrae, on the other hand was disappointed no action was taken by the NHL. He told TSN he was "upset and disgusted" that the league had not suspended Chara.
"I'm not mad for myself, I'm mad because if other players see a hit like that and think it's OK, they won't be suspended, then other players will get hurt like I got hurt," he said.
Chara, who has had past incidents with Pacioretty, did not even know he was on the ice at the time of the hit, and understands the Canadiens forward is upset.
"He's in the hospital, he has a right to be emotional and I respect that," Chara said. "I obviously feel bad that he got hurt. As a hockey player, we all feel bad that something like that happened. It doesn't matter if you're the home team or the visiting team. I'm wishing him a fast recovery and hopefully he can be back on the ice soon and that's all we love to do. We love to play hockey. Obviously when we go out there, we take risks. And sometimes, we do get hurt. But, it's just very unfortunate."
Chara, who said this incident will not change his physical and aggressive play, shrugged off talk that he could be face criminal charges for the hit up in Montreal.
Read: Prosecutor In Montreal Wants Probe Of Chara's Hit
"Right now I'm focusing on my game and playing hockey, we'll see."
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