Panthers' Jagr ties Esposito on all-time goals list

Florida Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr scored the 717th goal of his career to tie Phil Esposito for fifth on the NHL's all-time goals list at BB&T Center on Sunday.

"I watched many times this year the series between the Russians and Canada in 1972, and he was a dominating player there," Jagr said of Esposito. "After I watched the tapes, I respect him a lot more because he turned the series around. He was the guy. In that time, he was the best in the world. It’s a big honor for me to tie him."

It was Jagr's first goal with the Panthers after he was traded from the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. He had not scored since Feb. 6.

Jagr beat Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop with a one-timer from the top of the hash marks off a drop pass from Jonathan Huberdeau at 10:24 of the first period to put Florida ahead 1-0.

Jagr, who has 12 goals in 59 games this season, passed Mike Gartner (708) for sixth all-time Nov. 28 in the Devils' 5-4 shootout loss against the Detroit Red Wings.

Marcel Dionne's 731 goals are fourth on the NHL's all-time list.