Chára is one match behind the record. Out of respect for the legend, the Slovak does not talk about it – PRAVDA.sk

Slovak hockey player Zdeno Chára is on the threshold of another historical milestone. He has to start his 1651st match in the NHL base on Wednesday night, equaling the profile of the defenders of the profilig, held by Chris Chelios.

Photo: Profimedia

Zdeno Chára (33) in NY Islanders jersey.

The 46-year-old New York Islanders will catch up with the legendary American quarterback on the ice of NHL rookie Seattle Kraken. Out of respect for Chelios, the Slovak defender refused to comment before the duel to settle the record.

Chara, who will celebrate his 45th birthday on March 18, has played 42 games for the Islanders this season, in which he has collected seven assists and has three plus points. In total, he scored 673 points for 207 goals and 466 assists in his career for the Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. In 2009, he won the Norris Trophy for the best NHL defender, and two years later he led Boston to the Stanley Cup.

“It’s remarkable for a guy his size, how long he lasted and how effective he was throughout his career. I met Zden several times, we talked about what’s new in the league and the like. He’s a great guy and teammate. I’m not saying I’m happy, but I don’t mind if he breaks my record. Congratulations to him, it’s a great performance, “Chelios, a member of the NHL Hall of Fame, who celebrated his 60th birthday on January 25, told nhl.com.

Chara may break Chelios’ record on Friday night when the Islanders visit San Jose.

“I honestly didn’t think I could lose the record. I didn’t think Zdeno was coming. But records are about to be broken. I will still have a record among North American defenders, which is also great, “added Chelios, who has won the Stanley Cup three times in his career – once with the Montreal Canadiens (1986) and twice with the Detroit Red Wings (2002, 2008).

Chara was drafted into the NHL by the Islanders in the 3rd round of 56th place in 1996. He made his profile debut on November 19, 1997 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, where the “islanders” won 3: 2.

“I have never seen a tall hockey player like Zdeno. He was always the strongest of all, even though he was very young. I tried to find out how he practiced, but he was special in this. He has always worked hard on himself and that is why he has been in the league for so long, “said his former Islanders teammate Bryan McCabe, who is now the director of the Florida Panthers’ team.

Char’s first coach in the NHL was the current Dallas Stars helmsman Rick Bowness. Under his leadership, the Slovak defender played 25 matches in the 1997-1998 season, in which he scored one assist and 50 penalty minutes.

“I remember living in the basement of his agent’s apartment. When my wife, Judy, found out, we called him to dinner. As he sat down, his knees protruded above the table. All my children laughed that they had never seen such a giant. However, Zdeno is a very decent and nice man and a great fighter on the ice. He’s still working on himself, he’s a great guy who can lead by example and I’m happy for him, “said Bowness.

Islanders coach Barry Trotz is excited about Char’s “old-fashioned” approach to his work and the respect he shows to all the people in the organization.

“It simply comes to our notice then. “He won’t take a day off until I force him to rest,” Trotz said. “I’m still called a ‘coach,’ even though I told him Barry could call me. He has great respect for all the people in the club, which is rare at this time, “added the helmsman of the” islanders “.

It is still open whether season 24 will be last for Chara. The tallest and oldest man in the NHL plays an average of 18:29 minutes per game and is still a valid player in the competition. Chara equals Chelios in Seattle, who ranks 8th overall in the table.

When he overcomes it, he also settles the record of the seventh Mark Recchi (1652). Patrick Marleau (1779) leads the most duel in the NHL.

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