Celebrate the legendary career of Zdeno Chara as the Boston Bruins retire his iconic No. 33 jersey. Discover the highlights from a thrilling 4-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken and how the team honored “Big Z” on a historic night at TD Garden.
There’s a special kind of energy in the air when a legend returns to the place they called home for so long. Last night at TD Garden, the atmosphere wasn’t just about hockey; it was about respect. As Zdeno Chara saw his number 33 raised to the rafters, the current Bruins roster knew they had a tall task ahead of them to match the intensity of the man being honored.
Game Summary: Bruins vs. Kraken
| Feature | Details |
| Final Score | Boston Bruins 4, Seattle Kraken 2 |
| Key Milestone | Zdeno Chara Jersey Retirement Ceremony |
| Goaltending | Jeremy Swayman (25 Saves) |
| Game-Winning Goal | Mark Kastelic (Shorthanded) |
| Homestand Record | 5-0-0 (Sweep) |
The Rafters Get a New Resident: Honoring Zdeno Chara
Before the puck even dropped, the night belonged to one man. Zdeno Chara, the towering defenseman who led the Bruins to a Stanley Cup in 2011, stood at center ice as his jersey was immortalized. It was a poignant reminder of what “Big Z” meant to this city. For over a decade, he wasn’t just a player; he was the heartbeat of the franchise.
The ceremony was a massive motivator for the current locker room. Watching the highlights of Zdeno Chara shutting down the league’s best players for years clearly sparked something in the team. Jeremy Swayman mentioned after the game that seeing that banner go up serves as a huge inspiration for the younger players who hope to leave a similar legacy in Boston.
A Lightning-Fast Start for the Bruins
If there was any worry that the long ceremony would leave the Bruins with “heavy legs,” those fears were extinguished within the first minute of play. Just 54 seconds into the game, Marat Khusnutdinov took a beautiful feed from Charlie McAvoy, cut across the crease, and tucked the puck home for his 10th goal of the season.
The momentum didn’t stop there. Less than three minutes later, Viktor Arvidsson attempted a pass to Casey Mittelstadt that took a lucky bounce off a Seattle defender and into the net. Suddenly, it was 2-0, and the Garden was rocking. It felt like the perfect script was being written to celebrate Zdeno Chara and his incredible career.
Weathering the Kraken’s Pushback
However, the Seattle Kraken weren’t interested in being just a footnote in a celebration. After a rough December, Seattle has found its identity again, and they pushed back hard. They capitalized on a Bruins penalty when Chandler Stephenson redirected a shot past Swayman to cut the lead in half.
For a good portion of the first and second periods, Seattle actually looked like the better team. They outshot Boston and controlled the pace of play. But as Zdeno Chara often did during his playing days, the Bruins found a way to bend without breaking. They relied on their structure and stayed patient even when the Kraken were hemmed in their zone.
Kastelic’s Shorthanded Heroics
The turning point of the game came during a moment of adversity. With the Bruins on the penalty kill in the second period, Mark Kastelic took matters into his own hands. The rugged forward stripped the puck from Matty Beniers and went in on a breakaway, beating Joey Daccord with a slick backhand.
This shorthanded beauty wasn’t just a momentum shifter; it was a career milestone for Kastelic, marking his first shorthanded goal and a career-high in points. It was exactly the kind of “grit and skill” play that Zdeno Chara would have cheered for from the blue line. It gave the Bruins the cushion they needed to navigate a tricky third period.
Jeremy Swayman and a Historical Homestand
While the offense did its job, the story of this homestand has been the defense and goaltending. By the time the final horn sounded on the 4-2 win, the Bruins had officially swept their five-game homestand. Even more impressive? They allowed only five goals across those five games.
Jeremy Swayman was once again stellar, making 25 saves. His performance was punctuated by a heartfelt gesture at the end of the game, where he pointed directly up at the No. 33 banner. It was a nod to the culture of excellence that Zdeno Chara helped build in Boston. The Bruins are playing “system hockey” right now, with every player buying into the defensive responsibilities required to win tight games.
Conclusion: A Legacy Continued
Last night wasn’t just a win in the standings; it was a bridge between the past and the future. By retiring the jersey of Zdeno Chara, the Bruins reminded everyone of the standard required to wear the “Spoked B.” The team’s 4-2 victory over the Kraken was the perfect tribute—it was tough, disciplined, and resilient.
As the Bruins head back on the road, they carry the momentum of a perfect homestand and the inspiration of a legend. Celebrating Zdeno Chara was a reminder that while players eventually hang up the skates, the culture they create lasts forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the Bruins retire Zdeno Chara’s jersey?
The Bruins retired the jersey of Zdeno Chara to honor his 14 seasons with the team, during which he served as captain and led the franchise to a Stanley Cup championship in 2011.
2. Who scored the winning goal in the Bruins vs. Kraken game?
Mark Kastelic scored the game-winning goal while the Bruins were shorthanded in the second period, setting a new career high for goals in a season.
3. How did the Bruins perform on their recent homestand?
The Bruins were dominant, sweeping all five games of their homestand and allowing only five goals in total during that span.
4. How many goals does David Pastrnak have this season?
With his empty-net goal against the Kraken, David Pastrnak reached the 20-goal mark for the 2025-2026 season.
5. Who is the next legend likely to be honored by the Bruins?
While no official announcements have been made, fans often discuss Patrice Bergeron and Tuukka Rask as future candidates to join Zdeno Chara in the rafters of TD Garden.
