Jagr Ties Messier for Second In All-Time Scoring

Jaromir Jagr (Getty Images)

The possibility of Jaromir Jagr moving into sole possession of second place for all-time points before 2016 is over is not only a possibility at this point, but it is more likely than not set to occur.

Going into last night’s matchup between the Florida Panthers and the Buffalo Sabres, Jagr sat just three points behind Mark Messier with 1,884 points throughout the 44-year old’s storied career. The Panthers ended up winning the divisional battle in a shootout.

In true legendary fashion, just as it should be, Jagr assisted on all three Panthers goals, including the game-tying tally by Nick Bjugstad, his first goal of the season. Bjugstad missed the first month and change of action with a broken wrist and upon returning to action he struggled to get going, not registering his first point until his twelfth game of the season.

To make the goal even more meaningful, Jagr’s assist means only Wayne Gretzky has more points than Jagr, which will likely be the case for a very long time. Jagr is the only current player who sits in the top 24. Joe Thornton sits at 25, the closest current player, but he is over 500 points back nearing the end of his career.

In 33 contests this season, Jagr has six goals and 13 assists for 19 points on the season. The Panthers are set to play Thursday evening against the Boston Bruins and Friday against the Detroit Red Wings. If Santa Claus doesn’t come early for Jagr, he has a chance next week on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Thursday against the Montréal Canadiens, and New Years’ Eve on the road against the Dallas Stars. Jaromir Jagr-Watch is now in full gear! Stay tuned…