Bruins Star Zdeno Chara Reportedly Out for Stanley Cup Finals With Broken Jaw

The Boston Bruins were leaning on their physicality, experience, and defense in their Stanley Cup Finals matchup against the St. Louis Blues. However, their most physical and battle-tested operator could now be out for the rest of the series.

According to Boston sports radio host Christian Fauria, Bruins captain Zdeno Chara will be forced to miss the remainder of the NHL's championship series due to a broken jaw sustained after taking a puck off his face in Game 4.

No, the news has not been confirmed, but Murphy's Law seems to be hitting the Bruins hard. This would literally be the worst-case scenario for a team that feeds off of the imposing presence Chara provides on the defensive end of the ice.

His fellow analyst, Lou Merloni, has heard the opposite, but seems to confirm that if Chara plays, he'll be doing so with a monstrous and insane amount of brace-work in his mouth.

The 41-year-old former Norris Trophy winner isn't the young pup he was for his first Cup in 2011, but his ability to provide stability at the back against the best goal-scorers in the East and his playoff experience will be almost impossible to replace, no matter what Bruce Cassidy says.

The Blues have a perfect opportunity. With Chara, maybe their attacking depth can finally shine. This could turn the tide of the entire series.