Jagr holds Flyers' Giroux in high regard

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RALEIGH, N.C.When Jaromir Jagr first arrived in Philadelphia, a number of the Flyers were asked how they felt about the prospect of playing alongside a hockey icon.

None was bashful about his feelings. All were excited to share a locker room with him.

Jagr, as anyone remotely familiar with hockey knows, is one of the best to ever play the game. Hes the childhood idol of manyincluding Flyers winger Jakub Voracek.

But, as it turns out, theres someone No. 68 himself holds in high regard.

And thats Claude Giroux.

I kind of want to play for him, Jagr said. All the years I was in the NHL, guys were trying to play for meI want to be for him. I just want to be a good help for him.

After the Flyers 5-3 win over the Carolina Hurricanes Monday night, Jagr was asked what it is about Giroux thats enabled the duo to find such chemistry on the ice. Jagr had nothing but glowing praise for his linemate.

I love to play with him, Jagr said. I think hes the topI dont want to say hes the best right now in the league, but hes top three for sure. I never thought at the end of my career I was going to play with a guy like that. And thats whats made me happy.

Before the game, Jagr said he predicted Giroux would score a hat trick. He didnt, but he came very closescoring two with help from Jagr, and assisting on a third. Chalk that prediction up to Jagrs hockey sense.

Twenty years in hockey, I can see things, he said, grinning.

E-mail Sarah Baicker at sbaicker@comcastsportsnet.com

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