Bill Guerin For President Of Awesomeness

Since Billy Guerin arrived in Pittsburgh last month, he has filled a need on Sidney Crosby’s wing, earned the respect of his teammates, and provided the leadership of a veteran who knows what it takes to win a Stanley Cup.  After last night, you can add a vital element to that list.  He also scores huge goals including overtime winners in the playoffs.

Guerin’s been on the wrong side of the Penguins since he entered the league way back in 1991-92 with the New Jersey Devils.  He’s a career +60 despite playing on some bad teams.  His 400+ career goals include 73 game winners.

Like a wily wide receiver in football, the veteran winger knows how to sneak into soft spots on the ice.  From those areas he unleashes wicked snap shots, great finishers for Crosby’s nightly dose of precision passes. 

Guerin is also earning a growing leadership role on the team.  He has consistently stood up for new teammates, even dropping the gloves against overaggressive opponents if necessary.  In the first week of April, he took on New Jersey’s David Clarkson just a few days before going toe to toe with Tampa Bay giant Evgeni Artyukhin, the thickest 6’5 skater in hockey and one of the league’s leader in hits.  That’s how Guerin leads, by doing whatever is necessary at any point in time.

Last night, goals were needed badly as the Flyers continually withstood a healthy barrage of offense and shots.  Guerin put the Penguins on the board in the second period, but during overtime he sealed the victory with his first ever playoff winner.