NHL: Jagr Leaves Pittsburghers Bitter

Jaromir Jagr has likely played his final game in a Pittsburgh Penguins uniform. But for the duration of the playoffs, especially the Eastern Conference Finals series against the New Jersey Devils, he might as well not have been there at all.

Let's face it; Jagr was no factor for the Pens in the playoffs. He didn't amass a single point in the five-game series with the Devils. No goals. No assists. Jaromir netted only two goals in three playoff series total. No wonder the Penguins will be looking to shop Jagr and his large contract. But, with his performance in these playoffs, will there be any takers?

Jagr claims, for his part, that a nagging shoulder injury is to blame for his poor showing. We've heard it all before. Hockey is all about playing with pain. Look at teammate Darius Kasparitis, who finished out game two of the Devils series with two broken bones in his foot. Or Colorado's Peter Forsberg, who is reportedly looking to return for the Stanley Cup finals, after having his spleen removed just weeks ago.

For a guy who claims to love the fans and the city of Pittsburgh, what a way to go. Yes, the Penguins made it clear to the conference finals. But, their performance there was horrid, and, save game two, downright embarrassing to their team, their fans, and the city of Pittsburgh at large.

Is Jagr completely to blame? No. Teammate/owner Mario Lemieux didn't have the greatest of series, either. Injuries to Kasparitis and Robert Lang thrown into the mix were not beneficial. Many will point to the fact that the Pens did not have the four-line "system" that teams like New Jersey do. Some will point the finger at coach Ivan Hlinka.

But Jagr certainly bares the brunt of blame. He is the team captain, and highest-paid player on the team. He is expected to perform at playoff time, and in previous years he has always stepped up his game come April and May. To say that his performance this year was disappointing is an understatement.

This isn't the first time that Pittsburghers have been left with a sour taste by a star athlete. The comparison to Barry Bonds' time with the Pirates in the early 90's is eerily similar. Bonds was arguably the best player in the game, winning multiple MVP awards. He led the Pirates to three consecutive National League Championship Series, but the team was unable to put away the Cincinnati Reds in the first, or the Atlanta Braves in the last two. Bonds slumped in both series, hitting below .200 in postseason play, and is still remembered by Pittsburghers for not throwing out Sid Bream at home plate from shallow left field.

It remains to be seen if Jagr will be as successful after leaving Pittsburgh as Bonds was. But, don't expect his return to Pittsburgh with his new team to be harmonious.