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Zdeno Chara Shakes Hands, Poses With Marian Hossa In Front Of Stanley Cup

BOSTON (CBS) -- Well, this is kind of weird.

Zdeno Chara is a 36-year-old Slovakian who is one of the best hockey players in the world. Marian Hossa is a 34-year-old Slovakian who is also one of the best hockey players in the world. It's not surprising that the two countrymen have developed a friendship over the years ... but still ... this is kind of weird.

Chara and the Bruins lost the Stanley Cup Final in six games to Hossa's Blackhawks in June, and the Bruins captain is no doubt still upset at the way his season ended. Yet, he was able to push those feelings aside in order to show his friendship to Hossa.

Philip Pritchard, aka "The Keeper Of The Cup," tweeted a photo of Hossa and Chara standing side-by-side, shaking hands, with the Stanley Cup in the background. The picture was taken in Slovakia.

Chara and Hossa said prior to the series in June that their friendship would have to go on hiatus, but only briefly.

"It's going to be really interesting. Obviously we are good friends. He's my neighbor. He lives right across the street," Hossa said at the time. "But this coming two weeks, that has to go on the side and we just have to play the roles. I'm going to play my game, he's going to play his game. I'm sure right after we'll be friends again."

That turned out to be true, which is good for the two men and for the sake of friendship and sportsmanship. On the whole, it's a good thing. Nevertheless, it's just ... a little weird.

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