Zdeno Chara notched the fifth Gordie Howe hat trick of his NHL career on Friday by scoring a goal, picking up an assist and engaging in a fight during the Bruins’ 3-2 win over the Rangers at TD Garden.
It’s the Bruins captain’s second career Gordie Howe hat trick against the Blueshirts, and it started in the first period when he assisted on Brad Marchand‘s goal to open the scoring for Boston.
Then, in the second period Chara fought New York tough guy and Hingham native Brian Boyle. What began as a scrum in front of the Rangers net ended with two of the tallest players in the league going toe-to-toe, with Chara winning convincingly after landing a few powerful right-handed punches.
To complete his Gordie Howe hat trick, Chara took a great pass from David Krejci and blasted a booming slap shot from the point that found its way past Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. The goal gave the Bruins a 3-2 lead, which they protected for the remaining 8:56 of the third period to beat their Original Six rivals.
Watch Chara’s game-winning goal in the video below.
