Finally, a finisher: because Jaromir Jagr is providing world-class talent and willing to accept a defensive-oriented style, the Capitals could become the leading contender in the Eastern Conference

Sporting News, The, Dec 31, 2001 by Larry Wigge

"It won't be easy."

Neither Lemieux nor Jagr has been the same without the other, though injuries to them and their teams have been a factor. But the Capitals aren't complaining.

"Even when he was hurt earlier this season, when he was playing on one leg, Jaromir was our best player," says Capitals G.M. George McPhee. "This is a player who wants to be the go-to guy."

All brilliant performers, be they actors or rock stars or athletes, bring admirers and detractors. And while Jagr agrees he can be moody because he's a perfectionist who can get down when things don't go his way, teammates say they haven't seen that side of him.

"The one thing that has come as the biggest surprise about Jagr is his sense of humor," Oates says. "This group of players likes to rib one another--and he fits right in."

And you know how he'll fit in when the playoffs roll around.

"That's when smart players make smart plays," Rangers goalie Mike Richter says. "And great players like Jagr write their own stories."

Senior writer Larry Wigge covers hockey for THE SPORTING NEWS.