Philadelphia Flyers: Eric Lindros’ Number 88 To Be Retired
Eric Lindros will join a group of legendary Philadelphia Flyers players by having his number retired on Thursday night
Eric Lindros had the potential to be one of the best hockey players of all-time. Maybe not in the most statistical way, but the way he played the game and dominated was something to marvel. During his time with the Philadelphia Flyers, he quickly became arguably the most beloved athlete in Flyers history.
He was physical, yet gracious, in his own way. The penalty minutes and fearsome attitude was always there. However, his ability to scored is what truly made him the first elite power forward in the modern game.
In a game where enforcers were still a thing, Lindros made the fighters look like AHL players, and the elite point-scorers had room for improvement. His ability to hit, score, and make plays at both ends is what made him a superstar. His junior statistics alone are something to admire, and it is what made him the first overall pick in 1991.
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The one thing that prevented Lindros from reaching the top in the NHL was injuries. He was the first real ‘all-star case’ for concussion issues and became a ‘what could have been’ story from the latter part of his career till today. If Lindros did stay healthy during the prime of his career, one can only imagine how much he could have accomplished.
’88’ Hits the Rafters
On Thursday, Jan. 18, before playing the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Flyers will retire number 88. For fans in the 1990’s, this is no surprise. He played for both teams but made a name for himself with the Flyers.
In 760 NHL games, Lindros scored 372 goals and 865 points. As a junior player in the OHL, he scored 97 goals and 216 points in just 95 games. He was simply mesmerizing, and to see his career cut short is still a sad side of the NHL. Lindros also dominated in both the World Junior Championships and Winter Olympics as a teenager.
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His injuries opened the door to a lot more investigation and prevention. Superstars like Sidney Crosby have gone through their own share of head injuries, but processes are being created and changed regularly to better help athletes. The physicality of the game is still under scrutiny, but the NHL does not look to be changing anytime soon.