Guerin Scores 20
by: Brian Bohl | Senior Writer - NY Sports Day | Sunday, March 2, 2008
UNIONDALE, N Y— Even in the post-lockout era, 20-goal scorers aren’t filling rosters. Last year alone, just 118 players in the 30-team league accomplished the feat.
When Bill Guerin’s wrist shot from the right circle beat Philadelphia goalie Martin Biron yesterday afternoon, the Islanders captain became just the second player in NHL history to score 20 goals for six different teams.
Following a 4-1 loss to the Flyers, Guerin said his milestone can be viewed in different ways. The 37-year-old recorded 20-goal seasons for the Devils, Oilers, Bruins, Stars, and Blues before adding the Islanders to the list.
“I don’t know if it’s good or bad,” he said. “I don’t know. Maybe [it means] I’ve developed a level of consistency from bouncing around a lot over the years. I’ve been proud to play for every organization that I’ve been a part of. There have been a lot of good ones. It’s been a lot of fun.”
In a 15-year career, Guerin has scored 384 goals in 1,091 games. He signed a two-year contract to join the Isles in the summer. The 6-2, 220-pound winger has logged 37 points with his new team after scoring a combined 36 goals playing for the Blues and Sharks last season.
“At times it can be hard, but when you go, it’s easiest on you. You have 20 guys who welcome you in the locker room and try to make you as comfortable as they can.
“It’s your job. You know what type of player you are and I know part of my job is to score goals. No matter who I’m playing for, that’s what I’m going to have to do. It’s been my mindset.”
Guerin continues to look for consistency. His tally against Biron snapped a nine-game goal-less streak. The Wilbraham, Ma. native scored just two goals in his past 19 games. Entering today’s game against the Panthers, the Islanders are four points out of the Eastern Conference’s last playoff spot with 16 regular season games remaining, making a resurgent performance from Guerin vital for the stretch drive.
On the injury front, the Islanders were bolstered by defenseman Brendan Witt’s return. The defenseman missed the previous eight games with a sprained MCL.
Paired with Radek Martinek, Witt started against the Flyers and logged 18:21 of ice time. Witt, the team leader in blocked shots, adds depth to a blue line corps already missing Chris Campoli with a season-ending injury and Andy Sutton out until the end of March with a hamstring injury.
“I felt good,” Witt said. “It’s good to get back, especially now.”
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