Did Bill Guerin blow his chance with Flyers? (Update: Yes)

Two things to know about Bill Guerin's(notes) performance against the Buffalo Sabres last night for the Philadelphia Flyers.

First is that he skated on a "top line" with Darroll Powe(notes) and Andreas Nodl(notes), so the Sabres' 9-3 pounding was basically against the Phantoms. The second is that he was a minus-4 with two shots and 2 PIM in 17:39 of ice time; which, when combined with the rest of his preseason for the Philadelphia Flyers, creates a little concern for his fate on cut day.

From the Philadelphia Daily News:

"I think in the end, maybe I didn't have the best of preseasons," Guerin said. "I did what I could. But I feel that they know what I can do and what I can bring."

The Flyers' coaching staff is keen on Guerin's well-documented leadership contributions. But in the end, it may be hard for the team to justify a contract for Guerin, 39, since he wasn't head and shoulders better than younger players like Andreas Nodl. He posted one goal in five preseason contests - and played up and down the Flyers lineup.

GM Paul Holmgren told the Daily News that at this point keeping Guerin is a "roll of the dice"; how many guys survive cuts on the "yeah, why the hell not?" principle? That said, All Things Philly saw Guerin surviving the cut before the Sabres game.

Guys like Guerin and Brendan Morrison(notes) took tryout contracts with the Flyers and Vancouver Canucks to latch on to winning teams, no doubt. But it was also a way to keep their names in circulation.

Morrison's going to find a home somewhere (as Andy Strickland reports in the vaguest of terms). Guerin clearly still wants to play; if it's not Philly, perhaps a return to injury-ravaged Long Island? Or, worst case, he lingers in his living room until some GM realizes his team is one veteran, winning power forward away from contention and gives Guerin a call.

For the Flyers fans in the PD readership: How has Guerin looked? Good enough to avoid the rocking chair? Flyers Goal Scored By ... offers a good take here. 

UPDATE: Guerin told CSN Philly this morning that he's been released by the Flyers.

Related: Bill Guerin, Darroll Powe, Brendan Morrison, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks

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