Chara’s Birthday Fight First in Two Seasons

No, what was interesting was just the fact the defenseman, on his 39th birthday, dropped the gloves. Thanks to the great hockeyfights.com, we learn that this was Chara’s first fight this season. Last year, he had none, and the two seasons before that, two each.

This from a guy who has had some 57 regular-season bouts, plus more in the pre-season and/or playoffs. His high for a season is 10.

“He’s our captain and such a good leader,” winger Brad Marchand said. “He knows when it’s time to step up like that. He’s never had a problem doing it. In the old days, that’s how he came into the league early on. So it just shows he’s willing to lay his body on the line for the team.”