In possibly the last game of his storied NHL career, New York Islanders defenceman Zdeno Chara scores in the final minute against the Tampa Bay Lightning, then gets handshakes from his Tampa opponents after the game.
There are 32 teams. You'd think ONE of them would pay league minimum to have his presence in a locker room. I know he'd prefer to stay on the east coast. Can't Philly or NJ use him? Why not NYI again? Hell, Buffalo could use veteran leadership too.
I don't see a team giving him a contract, even at league minimum. His age has him just too slow in today's NHL. Agree with others, in as an Islander, out as an Islander. He has his Cup and his ticket to the Hall of Fame. Time to retire.
@@erickouniakis5722 I don't think I've even been casually athletic myself, but I've taken an active interest in the 1980s *20 MINUTE WORKOUT* shows in recent years. I've done that, and walking... and recently came to discover I have arthritis... and I'm 51(I shouldn't have been coy about my age before; please forgive as I set it right).
@@lloydmarshalljr1951 I'm 58 and i need new knee caps. Everytime the weather changes the pain increases. I was very active most of my years but the last decade has been a nightmare. The pain at time's gets so bad i have to stay in bed. I definitely can feel what you're saying Lloyd. All the best to you!!👍
@Darkness Gaming lol... I played AAA hockey and major junior.. 20 plus years ago... back then the hockey was a little rougher than it is now... I didn't feel it then , but I feel it now :(
If it is big Z's last game good on him for scoring a goal. In the one season he was a caps player he helped us on the D line significantly. Will be missed around the league for sure. Dude is a legend.
The amount of pain this guy has unleashed on my heart over the years has me traumatized. 2011 anyone🤕 Anyway, I couldn't help but tear up for this moment when i was watching the game.
THIS is why the NHL is the best professional sport in NA. You have such a broad, global community of teammates and then things like this happen.. just makes me appreciate that I've gotten my 9 year old involved in playing hockey and the traditions that come with it.
Not that I think Tampa isn’t classy but it’s hilarious to see Tampa win the cup and everyone call them classless jerks then have this pop up a year later with everyone praising their classiness
What a special way to conclude his professional career in hockey. Respect from the Lightning players showed just how great the game of hockey really is. Congratulations on a great career
That’s the biggest joke ever mate hahaha there’s a difference between showing respect and class. You’ve confused those words. Hockey players are generally the most trashiest trailer park bruisers in sport.
Chara was a thorn in the side of Tampa for many years, I can't count how many times I have seen TB vs BOS in the playoffs and its always a war. Great on Chara to get a goal in what is likely his last game.
Y'all were part of the greatest, most nerve-wrecking game I can remember (game 7, eastern final, 2011). Both teams fought as much as a fan can demand in a playoff game. A total war between Thomas and Roloston on the nets, the goal happened because it was an impossible shot to catch. Thomas won the game, but Roloston, imo as a Bruins fan, played more. Great sportmanship today with Chara
@@otaviofrn_adv That game, game 7 ECF, was te single greatest game of hockey I've ever personally seen. Few stoppages, no major penalties, both teams playing almost mistake free for most of the game. Amazing hockey.
Rangers fan here, nothing but respect for Chara. Man has been a solid player for my entire life it seems, and I'm 31. If he doesn't play another game he will never be forgotten.
@@boland73 Yeah I think that is what will happen and they will retire his number in Boston. As an Islander fan I love Chara, we had him first and we had him for his last but he spent 14 of his best years in Boston.
Yeah, and McCabe wasn't small either. But Chara usually went out of his way to not injure people too. He had that bomb of a shot and often would take a little off of it if someone was in the way (at least it looked to me).
Bruins fan, he was the best captain a team could ask for. I know the Islanders fanbase will claim him as one of their own (and rightfully so) but we cannot let him go without saying nothing. One of the greats in height and game. And RIP to both Clark Gilles and Mike Bossy
Gotta love how the whole point and title of the video gets cut after 5 seconds of them shaking his hand. Great job SN. I miss when TSN had the Canadian rights.
Habs fan here. It's hard for me to love him after what he did to Pacioretty, the guy was a nightmare during his prime but I respect the player a lot and all his accomplishments. I will always remember his spin-o-rama goal against the Panthers. *6'9 and he's a ballerina* The guy is a legend.
Well in all fairness, we just won back to back Stanley Cups and already made the playoffs so showing Chara some respect is also out of respect for how great we and he has been. Plus, we won the game and Stamkos got a net trick in their house.
Never thought I'd see the day Tampa show any class...Big Z, forever a legend. The hockey lineup will always be what stands it out from other sports. The nastiness put aside for a few moments to show respect knowing how hard these players worked for 82+ games each year.
Zdeno "Ciaraaa" je pan, klobuk dole pred tebov Zdeno dakujem ti a myslim aj cele Slovensko pre to co si dokazal, si ten spravny chlap, ktoreho kroky by mal ansleodvat kazdy jeden mlady hokejista soprtovec !!! DAKUJEME ! ;)
The guy started with the Islanders over 22 years ago, and he is calling it quits with the same team that drafted him. I'll always remember him as Boston's tank.
Sweeney was a fool to part ways with this sure fire Hall of Famer. He's not the dominant defender he once was but he's still better than any defenseman the Bruins have not named McAvoy, Lindholm or Carlo. Imagine having that guy as a mentor, which he could have done while still playing.
Never did like Chara, because he was too good and wasn't on my team. But this clip made me happy that he had a good career and made the games exciting....
Congrats big guy! Hated watching my team play against you but would have loved to have you in your prime playing behind Sid and geno! Hell of a career!
Hi there everybody hated him playing against your favorite team, but they would love him to play for your team. He protected his team players, and even with broken jaw he came to play instead call in sick. Not everybody will do it, he did.
This is what hockeys about not the money not the fame a love for the game and it’s greats. Z will be missed even as a Minnesota fan I loved watching chara, growing up modeled my defensive play after him in my far less significant “career”
Big penguins fan here enjoy your retirement Big Z you had a very nice time in the nhl and enjoyed watching your games with all of the teams you played with. In the end players are just people too like the fans that watch the teams.
Love this, gotta respect your elders. You know you had a good career when opposing teams fans hate playing against you! Coming from a Wings fan. Had a great run Chara!
As if we needed more evidence of the glorious Big Z, and the respect he has earned, and how classy and pure the sport of hockey is as a game, right? ❤️
Congratulations Big Z. I was working in Prince George the winter he played for the WHL Cougars and went to all the games. He was impressive then but I had no idea he would have the career he’s had. One more year one more year………….
Hi there, most people were laughing and made him like he should play basketball he is to tall. Most important that he did what he liked and proved everyone wrong and got respect. He worked very hard with heart and loyalty. I wish there is more people in this world like him. Not even broken jaw turned him around. Not many can do it, he did.