Zdeno Chara Returns To Practice For Bruins

BOSTON (CBS) -- Take a deep breath, Bruins fans. The captain is back on the ice.

Zdeno Chara practiced with the Bruins on Tuesday in Wilmington, a day after missing practice.

Head coach Claude Julien called that absence from Chara a "maintenance day," but concern still lingered, considering Chara had taken a shot off his foot/ankle area during Saturday night's win.

But the captain was back at work on Tuesday, presumably willing and -- more importantly -- able to help the Bruins try to secure a postseason berth in their final week of the season.

The Bruins have three games this week, all on the road, as they currently sit in third place in the Atlantic Division with 95 points. But it's a crowded race, with Detroit (95 points) and Ottawa (93 points) chasing them in the division, and the Penguins (95 points) in the mix for a wild-card spot.

Boston can't afford to take a step back this week, and having the captain in the lineup should certainly help.

The Bruins take on the Capitals on Wednesday night at 8 p.m., followed by a game Thursday night in Florida and Saturday night in Tampa Bay.

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