Panthers' Jagr expects to play against Ducks: report

Florida Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr told the Miami Herald on Monday that he intends to play Wednesday at the Anaheim Ducks.

Jagr, 43, practiced Monday and said he felt well enough to return to the lineup after missing the previous two games because of a lower-body injury. Jagr last played Oct. 27 against the Colorado Avalanche but said the injury could go back to Oct. 13, when he strained a hip flexor against the Carolina Hurricanes.

"Something was wrong and it shot down my right side, the hamstring, my back, my core," Jagr said. "They just didn't work together. I knew it, but didn't have time to fix it.

"The hip flexor; that's where it started. Then it just got worse and worse."

After taking a few days off, Jagr said he felt fine after practice.

"It was my goal to get through the practice and I did it," Jagr said. "It's a good step. If I could have I would have played. I just couldn't. Hopefully things will even get better over the next two days."

Jagr skated at left wing with center Nick Bjugstad and right wing Jonathan Huberdeau.

"He did a full practice and that sounds good," coach Gerard Gallant said. "We would love to have him back. We miss him when he's not there. We want to make sure he's ready and I think he is.

"He's a big part of our team and it showed. If it was a long-term injury we wouldn't put him in. But he thinks it is fine."

Jagr leads the Panthers with six goals and nine points in 10 games.