Jagr: Game 6 goal in 1999 saved Penguins
May, 6, 2012
5/06/12
1:01
PM ET
By Mike Mazzeo | ESPNNewYork.com
Was it really the goal that saved the Pittsburgh Penguins’ franchise?
Jaromir Jagr thinks so.
In 1999 Eastern Conference quarterfinals, the Penguins faced a 3-2 series deficit against the Devils.
But Jagr had two goals in Game 6 -- including the game-winner in overtime -- and the Penguins also won decisive Game 7 as well to eliminate the Devils and keep their season alive.
Jagr said Saturday that his O.T. winner was the biggest goal of his career.
“I remember that like it happened yesterday,” Jagr said. “I pulled my groin in the first game. We were losing 3-2 in the series and if we would lose the first round I think the team would move to Kansas City because they had no money. We had to make the second round to get the (money) for the payments.
Jagr continued: “I came back and I tied it with a minute-and-a-half to go and then I scored in overtime. That was probably my best game ever, I would say. My most important for sure. I’ll probably never score a goal that important.
“Probably if I hadn’t scored that goal the team wouldn’t be in Pittsburgh right now. (Sidney) Crosby would be in Kansas City.
Jaromir Jagr thinks so.
In 1999 Eastern Conference quarterfinals, the Penguins faced a 3-2 series deficit against the Devils.
But Jagr had two goals in Game 6 -- including the game-winner in overtime -- and the Penguins also won decisive Game 7 as well to eliminate the Devils and keep their season alive.
Jagr said Saturday that his O.T. winner was the biggest goal of his career.
“I remember that like it happened yesterday,” Jagr said. “I pulled my groin in the first game. We were losing 3-2 in the series and if we would lose the first round I think the team would move to Kansas City because they had no money. We had to make the second round to get the (money) for the payments.
Jagr continued: “I came back and I tied it with a minute-and-a-half to go and then I scored in overtime. That was probably my best game ever, I would say. My most important for sure. I’ll probably never score a goal that important.
“Probably if I hadn’t scored that goal the team wouldn’t be in Pittsburgh right now. (Sidney) Crosby would be in Kansas City.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Katie Strang
After spending two seasons as the Islanders beat writer for Newsday, Katie Strang joined ESPN New York to cover the Rangers, Isles and Devils. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism.
THE 25 GREATEST RANGERS
From Frank Boucher to Henrik Lundqvist, who's the best? Photos 
Rank 'Em »
You must be signed in to post a comment