When Bill Guerin was with the Devils in the early ’90s, his captain was Scott Stevens.
“Scotty never really said much, or had to,” Guerin said. “I was a young player on an older team. This is much different.”
Now, Guerin wears the “C” for the Islanders and has had to figure out exactly what his role is on a team filled with inexperienced players who are trying to learn how to win. And with the Isles plummeting out of playoff contention in recent weeks while players come and go because of injuries, it’s complicated.
“I look at the success of this team and I feel a big responsibility for what’s going on,” Guerin said.
And what’s going on isn’t pretty. While there are some explanations, that doesn’t make it any more palatable for a captain.
“I take it personally and it’s frustrating,” Guerin said. “I know I can’t do anything with the injuries, but I try to make sure the attitude of the team is right.”
Despite the record, he said that aspect of the team is “going good.”
Instead of rallying the team toward a run at the Stanley Cup, Guerin talks to younger players like Josh Bailey.
“We talk about the ups and downs of a long season,” Guerin said. “A lot of these guys, like Josh, were dominant junior players or played well in college and they’re realizing they have to work harder now. You have to have patience.”