Jagr ties Messier as second highest NHL points scorer

[December 21, 2016]    (Reuters) - Jaromir Jagr moved into a tie for second place on the NHL's all-time points list on Tuesday, the Czech winger grabbing three assists for the Florida Panthers in a 4-3 shootout victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) watches a high puck during the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

The 44-year-old Jagr reached reach the towering number of 1,887 points with an assist for Nick Bjugstad that tied the game at 3-3 late in the third period, drawing him level with Hall of Famer Mark Messier.

"It's great stuff, no question about it. It's a bonus for my job," Jagr, who won two Stanley Cup titles with the Pittsburgh Penguins, told reporters.

The BB&T Center crowd in Florida then cheered Jagr during a video tribute to the winger before the teams went to overtime. Jagr, whose career began in 1990, reached the landmark in 1,662 career games and will have a chance to move into sole possession of second on the list when Florida hosts the Boston Bruins on Thursday.

Wayne Gretzky is the NHL's all-time top scorer with 2,857 points.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)

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