Up Close with the Pittsburgh Sports Report
Penguins forward Bill Guerin

Sidney Crosby admits that it took him and star forward Marian Hossa weeks to adjust to each other on the ice, and it wasn't until the playoffs that they really started to mesh. Pens fans should be thrilled, then, that Crosby has found chemistry so quickly with his new, lower-profile linemates - gritty forward Chris Kunitz and veteran Bill Guerin. While Kunitz is signed for an additional three years, Guerin, 38, who will become an unrestricted free-agent July 1, may be a short-term acquisition. Guerin has been in this position before. In his 16-year career, he has played with eight different clubs. Nonetheless, Guerin's physical play and presence in front of the net, especially on the power play, which has improved slightly since he and Kunitz were acquired, will be invaluable to the Pens as they try to repeat last year's Stanley Cup run. PSR contributing writer Alex Nseir sat down with the veteran NHL journeyman to talk about his move to Pittsburgh and the upcoming playoffs.

AN: It seems like instant chemistry has developed between you, Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz. Do you feel as comfortable as you look out there?

BG: We're pretty comfortable right now but every day is a new day and you don't want to be too comfortable ….because I think that with…we want to not put too much pressure on ourselves but pressure enough to want to contribute every game.

AN: Should fans be excited that there is room for improvement?

BG: Of course. There's always room for improvement, no matter what. I think we can do a lot of things better. But, you know what, right now we just have to take it day by day.

AN: There are some other teams in the Eastern Conference like Boston and Washington that are higher in the standings than the Penguins but have much less playoff experience. How much of an advantage does that give Pittsburgh should the team make the playoffs?

BG: I think that you have to use everything that you have and (the fact that the team made it to) the Finals definitely helps. A lot of these are young players, they're a young team that went (to the Finals) and it's something that doesn't come easily, so they know how to get there a second time. We do have good, young experience.

AN: The standings in the East are log-jammed right now. Have you ever been in a playoff race this tight?

BG: The last couple of years have been crazy. You see the teams, especially at the bottom, it really comes down to the last couple of games. It's pretty amazing the way the parity in the league is now, it's incredible. It's good for the game, it makes it exciting.

AN: Are you the type of player that always checks the standings?

BG: I do now (laughs). I'm really not (usually) but at this team of year and in this situation you really have to look every day. You have to realize the importance of the games.

AN: Is it something you do as a team?

BG: No, it's done on an individual basis. Some guys might not want to see it. But for me, I think it's good to check.

AN: You are one of the older members of the squad. Have you been able to come in and be a leader already for some of the younger players?

BG: I don't think there's much for me to teach anybody. I'm just going to be myself and play a supportive role.

AN: The team's power play has struggled for much of the year. It's improved since you've been here and recently has been doing very well with the changing of the positioning of some of the players. Do you think the power-play formula you have now is working as well as it can be or do more changes need to be made?

BG: I think we have a lot of good people on the power play and I realize they struggled here and there throughout the year, and that happens for every team, but as long as your power play doesn't lose momentum for you during a game that's ok. And if you get a goal a game out of it, that'd be great.

AN: How important is it to get the power play clicking before the playoffs start?

BG: It's pretty important. Special teams play a big role in playoff hockey.

AN: Obviously coming to Pittsburgh from the Islanders, a team that is out of playoff contention, is a great opportunity, but was it difficult to leave the team where you were the Captain.

BG: It was hard. I had developed some pretty close relationships with the guys on that team and some guys that I consider very good friends. (The Islanders) gave me an opportunity there to be a captain and kind of do my thing and it was hard because I appreciated everything that the Islanders did for me, and my teammates, so it was hard to leave.

AN: Being traded can also be hard on a player's family. What was their reaction when they found out you were being traded?

BG: They were excited. They were very excited because they know it's a great opportunity for us. I'm going to get another opportunity to play in the playoffs. My kids were excited to meet Sid and Geno.

AN: Being traded to a playoff contender at this time of year, do you feel like a hired gun, and is that difficult to deal with?

BG: No, not at all. It's more important for me right now, who knows what the future holds, you've got to take care of yourself. And you know what, right now, I'm just enjoying the experience and the whole idea of when you're playing in the NHL I to win a Stanley Cup. And if I'm a hired gun, then I'm a hired gun, it's all about that experience and trying to get (the Stanley Cup).

AN: At this point have you given any consideration to the offseason?

BG: No, not really. I've been in this position before and the more you worry about something like that that you can't control right now, it's going to affect you in a negative way, so right now I'm just enjoying, right now.