PITTSBURGH – The game didn’t turn out as they had hoped, but the Pittsburgh Penguins gave their fans a memorable weekend. For a few days, it felt like Jaromir Jagr was part of the Penguins again. Taking the ice with the team and had plenty of reflection and celebration of his good times in Pittsburgh.
The Penguins retired Jagr’s No. 68 despite the fact he is still playing professional hockey at 52 in his home country of Czechia. When meeting with the press, Jagr noted that his playing days are nearing an end, but the same doesn’t have to be true for another Penguins icon.
Sidney Crosby is 36 years old but still playing outstanding hockey. While Crosby is likely near the end of his playing career, Jagr believes there is still plenty of road ahead.
“He adapts very well,” Jagr said. “I’m happy for him; I think he can play another five or six years if he really wanted to.”
That would take Crosby into his 40s and a career rivaling Jagr’s. Even with three years missing to play in Russia, Jagr still played 24 seasons in the NHL between nine teams.
When asked about Jagr’s comments, Crosby couldn’t help but smile. Crosby always has his sights on winning and has just as much passion for the game as Jagr.
“That’s putting a little pressure on me there,” Crosby said. “Obviously, you have to love the game and put a lot into it in order to do that. He’s a great example of it.”
Crosby didn’t count out the idea of playing for another five or six years, either. With the league continuing to get younger and faster around him, he knows it won’t be easy.
“If I’m fortunate enough to play that long, that would be amazing,” Crosby said. “It doesn’t get any easier.”
Jagr is also well aware that hockey is constantly changing and getting faster, but he can see a drive-in Crosby that will keep him around for as long as he wants.
“I always felt that Sid is the guy who wanted to be the best,” Jagr said. “He wants to be better tomorrow than he is today. That’s what you need if you want to play long."
For Crosby, those are some wise words to follow. Jagr also says you must stay hungry and unsatisfied to keep playing for as long as he has.
While Crosby won’t commit to saying just how long his career will be, he likes the idea of playing deep into his life like Jagr.
“You gain an appreciation as you get older,” Crosby said. “We’ll see.”
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