Chara Serenaded in Special Moment

Even at 45 - and 1,680 regular season games - hockey is still capable of giving Zdeno Chara chills.
In fairness, it would be hard to not be moved by the way the fans at UBS Arena serenaded the future Hall of Fame defenseman on Friday night.
Chara scored his second goal of the season in Friday's season finale, briefly pulling the Islanders within a goal with under a minute to play. Chants of "Char-a! Char-a!" broke out and the usually stone-faced defenseman couldn't help but crack a big smile.

"It was just completely unexpected and it was just an amazing feeling obviously to have that support from the fans," Chara said. "I can't really describe it. I was getting chills, it was a spectacular moment and I'll cherish that for the rest of my life. You know, very classy. Amazing."

While Chara, who set the games played record for defensemen this season, hasn't made a decision on whether or not to 25th season, the Lightning stayed on the ice to shake his hand. Head Coach Barry Trotz said it was something he hadn't seen in his over 20 years in the league.
"That just tells me how much respect this player has garnered through the league through players who have played against him, players who have an interaction with them," Trotz said. "All that speaks volumes of what he's accomplished as a human being in this game. And he's, if he if he continues to play, which he can, we'll be better for it. And if he decides he's going to spend time with his family, he's left the game in a great spot."
Chara recorded 14 points (2G, 12A) in 72 games with the Islanders this season, averaging 18:44 per game. He was fourth on the team with 125 hits, sixth with 90 blocks and second on the team with five fighting majors. One of his biggest contribution was helping mentor Noah Dobson, as the 22-year-old defenseman recorded 51 points (13G, 38A), becoming the first Isles defenseman since Mark Streit in 2008-09 to hit 50.

"I am just grateful for the opportunity I've had this year to learn from him," Dobson said. "He's been a great mentor on and off the ice. He's been a great guy just to play alongside I think, at the start weren't very comfortable with each other but once we got that comfort level, we did a pretty good job together."
The goal was Chara's first home goal as an Islander since March 27, 1999, as the defenseman started his career with the Islanders in the 1997-98 season. Chara's first-ever goal was Jan. 29, 1999 at home vs Phoenix, so if he does hang up his skates, there would be some poetry in his first and last goals coming as an Islander on Islanders home ice.
The crowd at UBS Arena wanted it all night, urging Chara to shoot every time he touched the puck in the offensive zone. He said he wanted it badly, so it was a little ironic that while he had some good opportunities early in the game, it was a floater looking for a rebound that found the back of the net.
"I guess it was meant to be," Chara said.

Chara was still trying to deflect the attention when he greeted the media during his postgame press conference. He's never wanted it to be about him, but he appreciated everything his teammates, the fans and even the opposition did for him on Friday night.
"I'm so happy it's just overwhelming," Chara said. "I never wanted to make anything about me. I've always thought this is a team game. When it starts getting to the point where you know, the crowd is in involved and showing their appreciation and players are getting pucks, it's a little bit uncomfortable, to be honest with you, but at the same time, I have been very, very blessed and grateful."