GDT SCF Gm 5: 6/6/19 | 7 PM CT | @ Bruins | NBC

[theohall]

BOSTON -- If the Boston Bruins are worried about the prospect of playing a pivotal Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final without their captain, veteran defenseman Zdeno Chara, they aren't showing it.

The Bruins have been here before, both in the regular season and playoffs. And coach Bruce Cassidy expects them to be on their game -- with or without Chara -- as they host the St. Louis Blues on Thursday with the best-of-seven series tied at two games apiece.

"I think our guys are good knowing that the team will pull together," Cassidy said. "In this particular series, against a heavier team, that's where you miss what (Chara) brings to the table. In terms of the mentality, I think this team will be OK."

Cassidy remained relatively mum when speaking with reporters about the facial injury (a reported broken jaw) Chara sustained in the Bruins' Game 4 loss at St. Louis. The 42-year-old didn't skate Wednesday, and an update on his availability is expected early Thursday.

"We don't know right now," Cassidy said. "There's a little bit of that hope factor for us as well."

The Bruins could receive a defensive boost if Matt Grzelcyk, sidelined since entering concussion protocol following a vicious hit from Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist in Game 2, is able to return to the lineup. Grzelcyk was back at practice in a non-contact jersey Wednesday, though his status also was a question mark.

"I'm just happy to be back around the guys, and I feel a lot more like myself," he said. "Hopefully I can play. If I get called, I'll be ready."

If Monday's Game 4 was any indication, Grzelcyk will need to be on his game if he does play. The Blues feasted on the Bruins' defense following Chara's exit in the second period of their 4-2 win, outshooting the Bruins 13-4 in scoring two goals in the third period to knot the series.

"We're feeling like we're getting momentum in the game," said Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko, who has six goals and three assists in his past eight contests. "All lines doing it shift after shift, it gives a team a lot of confidence and gives us a boost."

Though Chara is questionable, St. Louis doesn't intend to change its game plan. Teams that have won Game 5 when the Stanley Cup Final is tied at two apiece have won the series 72 percent of the time, underscoring the importance of Thursday's contest.

"I don't think the preparation changes if he plays or he doesn't play," Blues coach Craig Berube said. "We just got to be ready to go no matter if he's in or out. That team over there is very good. They're going to be hungry and desperate. We've got to come with that desperation and hunger, too."

The Blues will make a change on defense for Game 5, subbing in Robert Bortuzzo for Joel Edmundson. Bortuzzo sat in Game 4 with Vince Dunn returning from injury.

Tuukka Rask returns to net for Boston after allowing three goals for the second time in three games in the Monday loss. Rask, who has a 1.96 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage this year's playoffs, said his style of play won't change much regardless of who is playing in front of him on defense.

"If I start yelling too much and directing traffic, it's a waste of energy," he said. "I just try to mostly focus on stopping the puck. If I see something, I say something."

On the other side, Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (2.52 GAA, .909 save percentage in the postseason) is one win shy of matching the NHL rookie record for most by a goalie in a single postseason (15).

[gaijin]

Keep the game 5-on-5. Control your sticks, don't take the bait when Boston cross-checks.

Most important game in Blues history to date. Don't suck.

[glen a richter]

Two keys: #1 don’t suck, #2 if they get any power play time try to score on a couple of them. Law of averages says they have to score eventually and now would be a real good time to get the PP going.

[Portland Blues]

Is it time yet? These 3 day breaks are brutal.

[JCShutout]

Too many days off. LGB!

[StL Dan]

Is it time yet? These 3 day breaks are brutal.

I don't like it from the standpoint it gives the Bruins more time to lick their wounds from the physical pounding the Blues are dishing out.

[ComradeT]

Is it time yet? These 3 day breaks are brutal.

I don't like it from the standpoint it gives the Bruins more time to lick their wounds from the physical pounding the Blues are dishing out.

But it also gives the Blues time to ice their knuckles.

[Portland Blues]

I'm not looking forward to 3 hours of Chara love-fest from the NBC broadcast. I doubt they'll show the clip of Chara punching Crosby in the face after the whistle. Would love to see the Blues dominate and make the broadcast about them rather than the heroic effort and determination of the Bruins.

[Portland Blues]

HERE WE GO!!!

[Robb_K]

Surprising that Chara is even playing tonight. It will be interesting to see how much hitting he'll be able to take.

[Portland Blues]

Damn delay of game. Hopefully Boston's PP doesn't start rolling already.

[ibldbl]

Wouldn't have been an issue except for the linesman helping the Bruins by slowing the puck

[glen a richter]

This could get ugly real fast...

[Robb_K]

Surprising that Chara is even playing tonight. It will be interesting to see how much hitting he'll be able to take.

[Robb_K]

Good Kill by The Blues.

[Portland Blues]

Wouldn't have been an issue except for the linesman helping the Bruins by slowing the puck

I've seen about 3 favorable bounces off of a ref or linesman right to a Bruin already.

[glen a richter]

Looks like Binnington will have to be god tonight.

[Portland Blues]

Boston really seems to be reaching for hits so far. Be great to capitalize on them running around.

[Portland Blues]

Boston is torching us in SOGs so far.

[Portland Blues]

Would be awesome to end the period with a PP goal here. Take away the Boston momentum.