Berube reflects on trying to stop Chara: 'We weren't very good at it'
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Sportsnet
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In a recent reflection, St. Louis Blues head coach Craig Berube shared his experiences when faced with the formidable presence of Zdeno Chara, the towering defenseman known for his physical style of play. Berube candidly admitted that his team's efforts to neutralize Chara in games were often underwhelming. Despite the Blues' competitive nature, they struggled to effectively handle Chara's size and skill, acknowledging the challenges posed by such a dominant player on the ice.
Berube noted that while the Blues had game plans in place to counter Chara's impact, the execution fell short. Chara, who had significant tenures with both the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators before joining the New York Islanders, was not only a physical threat but also possessed an impressive hockey IQ, making him even more difficult to mitigate. Berube's insights offer a glimpse into the strategic considerations coaches must take when preparing their teams to face elite NHL talents.
As the discussion delved deeper, Berube highlighted the burden placed on players assigned to deal with Chara, often feeling like they were on an uphill battle. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication when up against such a daunting opponent. This reflection not only sheds light on the complexities of coaching at the NHL level but also pays homage to the legendary career of Chara, who remains a beacon of strength and resilience in the league.
Berube noted that while the Blues had game plans in place to counter Chara's impact, the execution fell short. Chara, who had significant tenures with both the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators before joining the New York Islanders, was not only a physical threat but also possessed an impressive hockey IQ, making him even more difficult to mitigate. Berube's insights offer a glimpse into the strategic considerations coaches must take when preparing their teams to face elite NHL talents.
As the discussion delved deeper, Berube highlighted the burden placed on players assigned to deal with Chara, often feeling like they were on an uphill battle. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication when up against such a daunting opponent. This reflection not only sheds light on the complexities of coaching at the NHL level but also pays homage to the legendary career of Chara, who remains a beacon of strength and resilience in the league.