NHL Skills Competition 2012: Bruins' Zdeno Chara Will Win 5th Hardest Shot Title

Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara will be at the forefront of the hardest shot challenge at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition on Saturday night in Ottawa and will certainly defend his title and win the event for the fifth straight time.

Chara has won the last four hardest shot competitions, but despite his dominance in the event, it is still one of the most anticipated of All-Star weekend. Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos told via USA Today:

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I think the hardest shot is always the (event) that everyone looks forward because we don't know what to expect. We've seen the Chara-Weber battles. We are always looking for the number that is going to beat the previous one. That's the event that creates the most buzz.

"

Last year Chara won the hardest shot with a record blast clocked at 105.9 mph in the final to defeat Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber.

Chara can consistently shoot over 100 mph and was one of only four players to break the century mark in last year's competition.

To consistently hit the puck with incredible power each time, Chara times his shot so well and positions himself well, as he skates to the puck and begins to wind up his slap shot.

With another title in this event Chara would be two behind former Calgary Flames defenseman Al MacInnis for most hardest shot titles ever.

The players with the best challenge to dethrone Chara are Weber and Stamkos. Stamkos had the fourth-hardest shot at last year's competition and is a real threat to make the final for a chance to beat Chara.

Despite some talented opponents, it would be shocking if Chara lost this event. He is still the most powerful shooter in hockey and knows how to win this event because of his great experience.

The Bruins captain will win this year's hardest shot competition and continue his recent dominance in the event.

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Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston.