'I'm getting used to it'

Jagr criticizes Capitals during All-Star Game interview

Jaromir Jagr was a minus-4 and had only one shot on goal in the All-Star Game. Robert Laberge/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Jaromir Jagr didn't seem to have any fun at the All-Star Game. And he definitely isn't having any fun with the Washington Capitals.

"Am I happy that we are out of playoffs now? No," he said Saturday. "It is a disaster for me and a disaster for the team. I want it to change."

The seven-time All-Star, in his first season with Washington, has 15 goals and 25 assists. The Capitals are 12th in the Eastern Conference, seven points out of the eighth and final playoff spot.

Jagr's World team fell behind early in Saturday's NHL All-Star Game. He told ABC's Darren Pang it was nothing new.

"I'm getting used to it from Washington. Every time we step on the ice in Washington, [we] have minus right away. But we're going to come back," he said.

The World team came back to win 8-5, but Jagr didn't back off his statements -- and appeared completely baffled that anyone would take it other than stated fact.

"I just said that this is nothing new to me," Jagr said. "In Washington, most games, every time I start out it's a minus. I am used to it."

Jagr, who won the last four NHL scoring titles, is third on his team behind Peter Bondra and Adam Oates.

Jagr complained of fatigue Friday and when asked if he enjoyed himself after Saturday's game, he said, "I would rather stay home and get healthy. That's what's important now."

 

Related information
Stories
Jagr fails to make Jordan-like impact on Capitals 2002 NHL All-Star Game Rosters NHL World All-Star Vote Totals NHL North American All-Star Vote Totals
Stats
2002 NHL All-Star Game Game Summary
Multimedia
Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.