Jaromir Jagr is 42. Watching number 68 patrol the ice for the Devils, you wouldn’t know it. The legendary Czech who recently became the seventh NHL player to score 700 goals continues to write quite a script. In his 20th season, he leads the Devils in five offensive categories including assists (36), points (57), game-winning goals (6), plus/minus (19) and shots (169). His 21 goals rank second to sizzling third-year man Adam Henrique (23).

When he signed for a year with New Jersey last summer, it was thought he could help offset the departure of Ilya Kovalchuk. Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello also signed Damien Brunner, Ryane Clowe and Michael Ryder last offseason. While they have helped contribute, no one has been more valuable than Jagr. Still producing at close to a point-per-game clip, the elder statesman has proven that he’s still got it. Astonishingly, he’s played all 66 games including Olympics and stayed healthy. A remarkable feat that speaks to his immense work ethic and dedication.

It seems as he’s gotten older, Jagr appreciates the sport more. Perhaps he’s realized he can’t last forever. Though if you see him play, our eyes aren’t deceiving us. In what amounted to a crucial game at division rival Philadelphia Tuesday night, Jagr helped set up the first goal and notched the winner in a big Devil 2-1 win in regulation over the Flyers. That pulled them within two points of Philly for the second wild card. With 16 games remaining, New Jersey is tied with Detroit in points with 71. The Devils only trail the Rangers by three for second and the Blue Jackets by two for third in the Metropolitan Division. It’s a wild race that could have a photo finish.

Facing an opponent that was in front of them, Jagr was at his best registering a goal and assist in a tight low scoring affair that also featured another 40-something legend Martin Brodeur. All he did was make 30 saves in winning his fourth consecutive start. Afterwards, the two future Hall Of Famers paid homage to each other.

”He was in a zone,” Jagr said. ”It’s Marty Brodeur, what do you want me to say? Either you’ve got it or you don’t, and he’s got it.”

”You can’t teach that,” Brodeur responded regarding his teammate’s skill level. ”These are things that he does that not many players are able to have, and it comes natural to him.”

Nobody has scored more game-winners than Jagr, who added to his NHL record with his 124th. Six better than Phil Esposito. After feeding Travis Zajac in the first period for a goal, he was able to redirect a Marek Zidlicky pass from behind the net past Steve Mason with 12:18 left in regulation.

”He was able to kind of just chip it and it snuck through there,” Mason said. ”He’s a big body, strong player when he has the puck on his stick and is able to protect it.”

”He’s done that all year for us,” Devils coach Pete DeBoer said. ”Nothing surprises me about him. When you’re around him, that’s why he’s one of the best of all time.”

The victory wasn’t sealed without controversy with video review in Toronto confirming the refs’ ruling when they disallowed an apparent Scott Hartnell tally with 40.1 seconds remaining.

”Not saying he did it on purpose, but his momentum threw him into me,” Brodeur said of Hartnell. ”It really prevented me. It didn’t warrant a penalty. I think it’s the right call.”

Nobody in Philadelphia would agree. It was a call that couldn’t be reversed. As much as they may hate it, it was probably the right call. One that benefited the Devils, who continue to remain in the hunt for the playoffs.

”Without the fun at my age, there’s no chance you can play,” Jagr added on why he’s still able to play at such a high level. ”You have to grab the opportunity. I got a chance to play and now it’s up to me what kind of advantage I take of it.”

Who could argue? Two decades later, one of the all-time greats continues to defy logic. His 102nd and 103rd points in his 90th career game versus the Flyers helped the Devils get a huge win. Never doubt a legend. Especially two. Legends never die.