Somewhere in the Czech Republic, a long haired and gray bearded hockey legend continues to amaze the hockey universe who watch him. Of course, that would be the legendary Jaromir Jagr.
Number 68 still plays the game he loves for his hometown in Kladno where they worship him. I mean most passionate hockey fans do. But just imagine what it must be like for his countrymen to finally be able to cheer him after a vintage Jagr goal like this.
The beard is a little grayer. The hair is still the same with the classic long mullet. The rush by the 47-year old (really!) is beautiful to see. Sure. He abused defensemen who can’t be too good before going to a deke and sweet backhand finish to score.
All I can think of is all the jaw dropping moves he made and scored on while starring for the Pens, Caps, Rangers, Flyers, Stars, Bruins, Devils and Panthers. Sure. It didn’t end well in Calgary. But sometimes, that’s how it is in sports.
I wish Jagr could play one final NHL game. But I guess I’ll have to settle for that golden video in the Czech Republic. That’s perfectly fine.
As far as another more recent former Ranger, Mats Zuccarello seems to be fitting in just fine with the Stars. He had the game-winner in their Game One win over the Predators. A game he felt he didn’t play well in. Ever so modest. He’s been hurt a lot too.
The beauty of Zucc is his candid responses to reporters. In this interview, he discusses playing with linemate Roope Hintz and jokes about Dallas life. Watch the final two minutes. It’s classic.
My takeaway is Zucc’s a simple man who doesn’t need more than a pair of pants and a shirt from his hotel to get to the rink. It’s too bad he no longer plays here. Good luck to him and the Stars in Game Two. It’s tomorrow at Nashville.