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Jagr Talks Pittsburgh Days
by Paul on 04/25/08 at 01:23 PM ET
Comments (2)
from David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail,
In the 2000-01 season, the Penguins had just come through their second bout of bankruptcy. They only remained in Pittsburgh because Mario Lemieux found the financing to take over the team and later that season he came out of retirement, in part because the team desperately needed a gate attraction to stay solvent.
By then, however, Jagr was in a long public sulk. He fought with his coaches and teammates and the media.
Now, he says, looking back with the wisdom of 36-year-old eyes, it was all done to keep forwards Alexei Kovalev, Martin Straka and Robert Lang in Penguins uniforms. All three were set to become free agents at the end of the 2000-01 season and Jagr said he knew the team needed them more than him. After Lemieux made his comeback halfway through the season, Jagr said the team could afford to lose him.
Filed in: NHL Teams, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins | KK Hockey | Permalink
Tags: Jaromir+Jagr,
Comments
Oh Jagr. There’s one piece of truth there and that’s the Jagr had lots of issues with Jan Hrdina. It was documented that he used to yell and scream at him all the time.
But a language barrier? He was in Pgh over 10 years before he left. And he did it so they could keep the rest of the team together? Thin logic indeed. Anyone else remember “dying alive?” One thing hasn’t changed - Jagr is overly dramatic and self-centered.
He was awesome for the Pens and helped them win 2 Stanley Cups. For that, all fans should be thankful. I know I am. I just don’t buy the hogwash he’s selling now.
This is a good article for anyone interested in some insight into Jagr at that time.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_564192.html
Posted by FeistyFinn from Chicago on 04/25/08 at 01:22 PM ET
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And Lindros foresaw the Cup in Quebec/Colorado, but only if he held out for a trade.
He should just accept that he likes money. Everyone likes money. Say you did it so you can buy a small yacht in Russia when your 60.
Posted by 41 Long Ones from Edmonton on 04/25/08 at 12:33 PM ET