Ex-Leafs defenseman reminisces about being rag dolled by Zdeno Chara

Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bryan McCabe talked about his encounter with fellow blueliner Zdeno Chara. The interview posted on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast revealed how McCabe felt while being pummeled by Chara.

McCabe said:

“They got big Z in front of the net. Eddie is trying to break his kneecap, from behind, and I see, and I see the wires crossing for Chara. And, I’m like the closest guy. At no point do I want to do this.”

The comments underscored Chara’s fearsome nature on the ice. Opponents rarely wanted to engage the behemoth defenseman, except when there was no other way out.

McCabe expanded on the situation:

“I’ve never, it was like I was a feather, like in my equipment, easily, I’m 250 pounds, in equipment if not more. Maybe 260, you know, skates, stick, gloves.

“He picked me up like I was nothing. My legs were like three feet off the ice and he was just like it was nothing. He was just like dusting me.”

McCabe’s wild story had a fortunate ending for the ex-Leafs defenseman:

“Thank God he didn’t hit me with a punch and then I fell down and I rabbit punched him once. It was one of these. And, I went to the box and I was actually laughing. I was so embarrassed. I was laughing that I actually made it through okay.”

McCabe appeared in over 1,100 NHL games. He played in parts of seven seasons for the Toronto Maple Leafs, racking up 68 points in 2005-06. McCabe ended his career with the New York Rangers, appearing in 19 games, following 48 games with the Florida Panthers during the 2010-11 season

Looking at Zdeno Chara’s numbers against Toronto Maple Leafs

Zdeno Chara was one of the top defensemen of his generation. He played with the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals, and Boston Bruins winning a Stanley Cup in 2011.

Chara appeared in 104 games against the Leafs. He racked up 16 goals and 31 assists for 47 points. While not known for his offensive prowess, Chara was feared for his tremendous size, standing 6’9” and weighing over 250 pounds. Chara was a plus-33 for his career against Toronto, making him a top defensive blueliner.

Chara faced Toronto for the first on March 28, 1998, as a member of the Islanders. He went pointless in the game, registering a plus-2 on the night.

The 2008-09 Norris Trophy winner faced Toronto in 33 postseason games, scoring four goals and 12 assists. Chara faced the Leafs in 2002 and 2004 as a member of the Ottawa Senators. He again faced Toronto in 2013 and 2018 as a Bruin.

Chara retired at the end of the 2021-22 season, playing in over 1,600 NHL games, from 1997 to 2022.