Bedard's Daily Briefing 06.05.19: If Chara doesn't play, Bruins not in dire straits; Patriots, Brady back to work

Good morning!

A few random thoughts while I wonder if anyone is paying attention to the Red Sox (Royals ... delightful)...

• So the reports are not good for Zdeno Chara (broken jaw) playing in Game 5. Nothing would surprise me with that guy. He is the ultimate hockey warrior, but I think Thursday night is really pushing it.


• If the Bruins don't have Zee, I don't think that really changes much. Sure, he'll be missed on the penalty kill, but the Blues are so bad on the power play it will be hard to tell.


• And it's not like the Bruins have suffered all that much when Chara hasn't been in the lineup in the past. They usually move their feet and the puck a little better — Chara has been rough getting the puck out of the zone under pressure in these playoffs — and the Bruins have been fine defensively when they've had all six finish a game.


• Will be interesting to see what combination Bruce Cassidy goes with. He can't help but be honest. Cassidy all but said he's going with seven and will piece it together. Plus, the additional practice time from here on out will aid the Bruins with prep work.


• Patriots looked sharp on the field yesterday. Will be interesting to see what goes on today, and if they even practice tomorrow (they had an event last year). Seemed to work out OK in the end.


• I can't believe how good Tom Brady looks. It's night and day from how he finished the season, when he looked very skinny and worn out. Again, it all worked out, but you can tell Brady is trying to avoid that again.


• Red Sox won again in Kansas City, a minor-league affiliate. Brock Holt makes a difference.


• What a finish to the college softball season last night. Worth catching on a replay.

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