Report: Bruins' Zdeno Chara Diagnosed with Broken Jaw After Game 4 Injury

Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara has been reportedly diagnosed with a broken jaw after being injured in their Game 4 Stanley Cup Final loss to the St. Louis Blues.

Jeremy Rutherford‏ of The Athletic reported the news.

Chara took a puck to the face during the second period of the 4-2 loss, lying on the ice for several minutes and delaying the game as blood needed to be cleaned up. He returned to the bench during the third period to cheer on his teammates.

"He's a guy who wants to be out there," Bruins center David Backes told reporters. "He wants to battle and be with the guys. ... If there's any chance for him to be back, he'll be back. If not, it'll be next man up again. Whoever our next guy up is will have to fill that role admirably—and they're big feet to fill."

Chara previously missed the Bruins' Game 4 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in the conference final because of an injury. The 42-year-old was also limited to 62 games during the regular season because of injury. He has one goal and four assists during these playoffs, and the Bruins have outscored opponents by 12 goals when he's been on the ice.

While he's not been ruled out for Game 5, a broken jaw makes it highly unlikely he'll be able to play. Steven Kampfer could get a chance to make his third appearance of the playoffs if Chara is out of the lineup.