Chara had multiple jaw fractures, recovery set at 5-6 weeks

Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara played through multiple fractures in his jaw during the Stanley Cup Final and is expected to make a full recovery in five-to-six weeks, he told reporters Friday.

Chara was injured in Game 4 against the St. Louis Blues after a shot from Brayden Schenn deflected off his stick and into his face. He sat out the remainder of the contest but was back in the lineup for Game 5. Until now, the extent of his injury had only been reported.

The 42-year-old wore a face shield from Games 5 through 7 and averaged 19:04 of ice time per night before the Bruins bowed out at home in Wednesday's winner-take-all contest.

Chara just completed his 21st NHL season, in which he recorded 14 points across 62 games. He signed a one-year extension worth $3.75 million in March to stick with the Bruins for another year.