"Ode to a Captain"

Yesterday, at about 2:00 p.m., islanderspointblank.com reported that Islanders captain Bill Guerin had finally been traded. The news did not shock many fans, as Guerin was a healthy scratch for the teams previous two games against Buffalo and Colorado. However, when fans learned that the Islanders would be receiving a conditional draft pick for the services of the two year captain, many fans, including myself initially, were very upset.

The details of the trade are as follows. Guerin is sent to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a fifth round pick in this years entry draft. However, if the Penguins make the playoffs, the pick becomes a fourth rounder. Likewise, if the Penguins advance to the second round of the playoffs and Guerin plays in 50% of the first round games, than the pick becomes a third rounder.

With rumors of a trade looming all weekend, and even Guerin confirming yesterday that there was a trade in place, many fans felt that the return for Guerin could have been higher, perhaps even a second round pick or a prospect. The Islanders made it pretty obvious that a trade for Guerin was imminent, and that the original deal (still believed to be to Washington) fell through at the last minute. This, at least to me, made the Islanders look a bit desperate to move their captain, and other teams may have seen that too. The Islanders couldn't get a deal done until Wednesday, the day of the Trade Deadline, and finally pushed the button on the Pittsburgh trade.

But we as fans should not look back today and remember Guerin's nearly two years as our captain and only remember this trade. We should remember the timely goals, the quick shots, and how he lead the team on and off the ice. Anyone who was fortunate enough to be in the locker room when Billy was giving an interview, talking with the media, or just B.S.ing with his teammates will definitely notice the void in that locker room for the remainder of the season.

So here's to you, Billy. During your tenure as Islanders captain, you did everything which was expected of you and more. Even in your last days on the Island, waiving your no-trade-clause to better the team that you play for, you set yourself apart from others in your never-ending devotion to the word "team". Your joking around, sense of humor, and timely one-liners will be missed during the post-game. Your game winners, your hard shot, and your work ethic will be missed on the ice. Your service to the community and charity work will not be forgotten. Here's to you, Bill Guerin, the Captain's Captain.

Good luck, and bring home that cup!