Bruins D Chara has shoulder surgery

Apr 30, 2008 - 7:08 PM BOSTON (Ticker) -- Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara underwent successful shoulder surgery on Tuesday, according to The Boston Globe.

The newspaper reported on its web site Wednesday that the 6-9 defenseman is recovering at his downtown home after having a procedure to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Team orthopedist Dr. Thomas Gill performed the surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Chara said he had endured some discomfort in the shoulder during the season. But in a 2-1 win over Washington on March 8, the pain worsened after he missed a one-timer.

"I felt my AC joint was a little loose and sore," Chara told the Globe earlier this month. "But when I missed that one-time shot, it really felt like there was damage in the shoulder.

"Ever since then, I was playing with it. It didn't pop out, but it was a weird feeling. Just really sharp pain inside the shoulder."

Chara, a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman, is expected to be ready for the start of next season.

The 30-year-old Chara led all Bruins defenseman with 51 points this season.