Watch CBS News

Zdeno Chara Expected To Miss 4-6 Weeks With PCL Tear

BOSTON (CBS) - In a night where the Bruins welcomed back an old defenseman, they said goodbye to another -- temporarily at least.

17-year NHL veteran and Bruins captain Zdeno Chara was forced to leave Thursday night's game against the Islanders midway through the first period and did not return.

The injury appeared to come on a hit delivered by Chara to Islanders captain John Tavares.

A closer, slow-motion look of the play shows the two captains colliding knees.

Watch below:

According to TSN's Aaron Ward, Chara has suspected ligament damage in his left knee and is expected to miss four to six weeks, at which time a determination on surgery will be made.

Off to a slow start even with Chara in the lineup, the 4-5 Bruins will have to do their best to simply tread water in the interim until he returns.

UPDATE: 11:40AM 10/24/14

General manager Peter Chiarelli confirmed the injury to reporters on Friday morning. It's a PCL tear that will keep Chara out for 4-6 weeks, but no surgery will be required.

Bruins fans can all breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Hear every game of the 2014-15 Boston Bruins season on 98.5 The Sports Hub — the flagship station of the Boston Bruins. Pregame coverage with Dave Goucher and Bob Beers begins 30 minutes prior to every game!

MORE BRUINS COVERAGE FROM CBS BOSTON

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.