Other than an NHL awards show here or there, Sidney Crosby says he never got to know Jaromir Jagr personally. But he is well aware of Jagr's place in the game and in Penguins history.
"I remember watching him growing up and of playing against him," the captain said after practice Monday. "He did all the things you watched so many times: Strong on the puck, great shot. I remember especially when he was in New York, some of the games he had against us then. He was a pretty tough guy to stop with everything that he was able to do."
During last week's win over the Wild, Crosby surpassed Jagr as the No. 2 scorer all-time in franchise history with 1,082 points. Crosby marveled at how Jagr was able to have success even as the game has changed dramatically since 1990 when he broke into the league as Pittsburgh's first-round pick that year.
"Just the times he played, the game has changed over the course of different years and different styles," Crosby said. "He always found a way to produce and be successful. It's amazing what he was able to do for as long as he was able to do it at his age. He continued to be productive."
Jagr, 45, cleared waivers on Monday after playing in 22 games for the Flames this season, registering one goal and six assists. Jagr will try to continue his career with his hometown team, Kladno HC, in the Czech Republic. If this is it -- you never say never with Jagr -- he leaves as the league's second all-time scorer with 1,921 points.
Jagr was a 13-time All-Star and won the Art Ross Trophy five times, helping the Penguins to the Stanley Cup in 1991 and '92.
Jagr seems a strong bet to have his number retired by the Penguins some day. As, of course, does Crosby.
MATT SUNDAY GALLERY
Penguins practice, UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex, Jan. 29, 2018. - MATT SUNDAY / DKPS