Chara returns vs. Flyers following 9-game injury absence

Talk about a big addition.

Boston Bruins captain and star defenseman Zdeno Chara returned to the lineup Sunday against the Philadelphia Flyers after missing the previous nine games due to a lower-body injury.

In 68 appearances this season, Chara has tallied seven goals and 16 assists, and he leads all Boston blue-liners with 23 minutes of ice time per game. The hulking defender has not suited up since March 13.

Chara's return comes at the perfect time for the Bruins, as the club lost defenseman Brandon Carlo on Saturday to an apparent leg injury.

Boston sits first in the Eastern Conference with 109 points.