Monday, December 6, 2010

Billy G Thanks for the Memories






















Bill Guerin played a total of 95 games for the Penguins, one of eight NHL teams he played for in his career. Guerin played in a total of 1263 NHL games scoring 429 goals, 427 assists for a total of 856 points and a plus 51. In addition to his NHL exploits Guerin proudly represented the United States in the 1998, 2002, and 2006. In Guerin's 95 games as a Penguin, he had 26 regular season goals, while adding 11 more goals and 13 assists in two playoff runs. From the perspective of overall career games played, Guerin's time here was not a big part of his career. That said, he left an indellible mark on this team. He was brought in at the trade deadline in the 08-09 season, and his veteran leadership as a member of the top line was a huge part of the championship run. Who could forget Guerin's game winning goal in the second round game 2 against the Flyers? Or his game winning goal in literally the last millisecond against Boston the following season? The crowd at the Stanley Cup parade asking for "one more year?" Or his loose joking spirit during the practice after the Game 5 dismantling of the Penguins in the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals? His calm veteran leadership helped guide this young team through a devastating loss that put them down 3-2, and left many thinking the magic had run out. Billy G helped ensure that the Pens came out for Game 6, loose and confident, and two games later he was lifting the second Stanley Cup of his career. In just 95 games Guerin became one of my favorite Pens of all time, and I am far from alone. I watched with pride and emotion as the Penguins honored the guy we called Big Bad Billy G, and I look forward to his future contributions to the Pens. Thanks again Bill we appreciate the sense of humor, leadership, and big time play as a Penguin. If I see you around town, your beer tab is mine sir! Best of luck to you and yours!

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