Jaromir Jagr isn't the kind of player that feels the need to finish on top. Jagr loves playing hockey and he's perfectly willing to continue to do that professionally long past his prime. "Why should I stop doing something that I love?" Jagr asked. "Because I'm going to hurt my name? So what? Are they going to criticize me that I can't play anymore, that I'm awful? Who cares? As long as I'm giving my best and somebody appreciates my work, I'm happy with that." Even though Jagr's not the star he once was, he's still a solid forward and worth having in standard leagues.

Jaromir Jagr holds the NHL record for most points in season openers with 11 goals and 35 points coming into his 20th year. The 41 year-old Czech tops legends Ray Bourque (30 points), Wayne Gretzky (27) and Joe Sakic (27) in that category. The Devils are hoping he can continue his opening night dominance this Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Jaromir Jagr skated alongside Adam Henrique and Travis Zajac during Tuesday's practice. They will probably be Jagr's linemates during the season opener. Even at the age of 41, Jagr is a solid top-six forward, but he isn't much more than that anymore.

Jaromir Jagr doesn't think he'll end up participating in many shootouts. "When I was pretty good on shootouts there were no shootouts in the league," Jagr said. "I was good. I remember during shootouts in practice I scored 10 goals. I was pretty good. That was 20 years ago." Jagr has converted on six of his 24 career shootout attempts.

Jaromir Jagr skipped the second half of Saturday's 95-minute practice as a precaution. The veteran forward said he didn't sustain any setbacks with his recovery from back and hip muscle soreness. "We played two lines in the scrimmage, so it was kind of tough," Jagr said. "I just wanted to be careful a little bit."

Jaromir Jagr participated in his first full practice on Friday since sustaining a back/hip injury. Jagr didn't end up playing in a single preseason game, but he still is projected to play in the season opener. He might get off to a sluggish start to the season because of that, but his health is also an ongoing concern. Even if he doesn't suffer a significant injury this season, a collection of day-to-day injuries could add up throughout the campaign.

Jaromir Jagr, who has been bothered by hip and back muscle sorenes for most of training camp, feels ready to return but he won't play Thursday night. "I can play right now," Jagr said. "I can play today. It's no problem. It isn't hurting me. I did everything with the guys. Stops and starts, it's no problem." Jagr took part in Thursday's practice and stayed on the ice with the players who aren't dressing. He expects to be ready for New Jersey's regular-season opener.

Jaromir Jagr (back/hip) is doubtful for the New Jersey Devils' final preseason game on Thursday. Jagr had initially hoped to participate in a full team practice on Wednesday, but the Devils got the day off. "I decided to skate on my own a little bit." Jagr added jokingly, "I couldn't have more days off. That would be too many." He's still probable for the Devils' regular season opener.

Jaromir Jagr (back/hip) hopes to play in a preseason game. Jagr participated in a Devils' practice on Tuesday for the first time since Sept. 12. That being said, he thinks he actually sustained the injury during his 15-hour flight on Sept. 9. "It was just muscles in everything - the back and the hip," Jagr said. "It's all connected. I think it's got something to do with the plane ride."

Jaromir Jagr (lower body) took part in Tuesday's practice. Although Jagr had been skating on his own for a little while now, this was his first practice with the Devils in almost two weeks. He skated alongside Adam Henrique and Damien Brunner, although the morning skate was limited to the players that aren't expected to participate in Tuesday's preseason contest.