The NHL’s Stanley Cup Finals is turning out to be everything fans were hoping for: a back-and-forth battle between equally matched teams. The Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues will continue their epic dual this Thursday when the clubs get set for Game 5 from Boston. The best-of-seven series is now down to a best-of-three, so each game carries tremendous importance moving forward. A significant question mark that looms over the Boston Bruins is the status of team captain Zdeno Chara. The 42-year-old defenseman blocked a shot from Blues’ forward Brayden Schenn in the second period of Game 4, but the puck hit Chara in the face and broke his jaw.
Depending on Chara’s status, Boston’s lineup could look very different come Thursday. They’re already patching holes on their defensem, with injuries to Matt Grzelcyk and Kevan Miller, so it’ll be next man up for the B’s. We’ll get a real sense of this team’s depth if Chara can’t suit up for Game 5.
St. Louis will attempt to take advantage of the Bruins’ shorthandedness with a game on the road. They’re proving that running four lines is necessary for maintaining a healthy competitive roster. They split the first two games in TD Garden and will be eager to get the advantage by stealing another in Boston. The puck drops at 8 PM ET, so don’t miss the action.
