Zdeno Chara was Boston’s leader. As the Caps’ Cup pursuit begins, he must face his former team.

When Peter Laviolette met with Zdeno Chara in the offseason, before the 44-year-old defenseman was officially part of the Washington Capitals, there were no expectations about the upcoming season, no X’s and O’s drawn out. It was just two people getting to know each other.

The two met on Longboat Key — a Florida island where both have houses. It was the first time they had gotten together in a casual, informal setting.