Looking back on his career with the Flyers, a couple of story lines & moments stand out amongst the rest for me:

• Continuing the Tradition of great Flyers’ Goaltenders: As the Flyers mowed through the 1986-1987 regular season, every hockey expert and fan in North America were simply amazed by what # 27 was doing as a rookie netminder. His obvious skills aside, the range and puck-handling skills he demonstrated were simply UNPRECEDENTED in the NHL at that time. By the time the regular season ended, no one that watched this team had any doubt that Hextall could carry them as far as we could all dream. A loss in the 7th game of the Stanley Cup Finals did nothing to diminish the beauty that was an amazing season.
• The suspension at the beginning of the 1987-1988 season: Hextall’s slash on Kent Nillson in the previous year’s playoffs, left the league levying a suspension on Hextall for the first 8 games of the season. Many have argued that Hextall never truly recaptured the magic of his rookie season. If this is in fact true, I’ve always wondered how much this suspension played a role in this process.
• The Nagging Groin Injuries: As Hextall became the face of the organization, also distracting & frustrating was his tendency to miss time due to injury. It seemed as though if Hextall was out of the lineup, the rest of the team was content to simply “play thru” waiting for # 27 to return to the lineup.
• The Ultimate Team Player – Defending His Teammates: The attack on Chris Chelios at the end of the 1989 Stanley Cup Playoffs was one of Hextall’s finest and worst moments at the same time. For Hextall, losing his cool was a sign that he had given up in the 6th game of the semi-final series against the Canadiens. However, as he later voiced to reporters, the attack was simple retribution for the callous hit that Chelios laid on Brian Propp during the first game. This was the last Flyers’ playoff game for 5 years and the night of my 16th birthday! Another suspension (12 games) would befall Hextall at the start of the next season.
• A Necessary Sacrifice: When The Flyers became players in the great Eric Lindros sweepstakes, Ron Hextall became a critical component of the speculated trade dowry. When the deal was finalized, Hextall left town and wasn’t afforded the chance to leave on his own terms. In fact, most people were so energized by Lindros’ arrival that they failed to realize that the Flyers’ had just lost their heart and soul.
• Awkward Visits and the HEXXXX-TALLLLL Chant: For years Flyers’ fans hated it when the fans of the opposition would begin serenading their hero with the sarcastic Hextall sing-song chant. Yes, Hextall fed on this energy but fans hated it as much as he loved it. So imagine my horror when upon retuning to the Spectrum as a member of the Nordiques and then the Islanders – the fans welcomed back their former hero with the same sing-song chants that they had formally despised hearing. Truly an embarrassing moment for any Flyers fan who actually participated in this ridiculous ritual.
• Our Heart Returns: During the pre-season of 1994, the Flyers found themselves still trying to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after 5, long painful seasons. Just before the season was to be delayed by a player’s strike, the Flyers reacquired Ron Hextall from the New York Islanders in exchange for Tommy Soderstrom. I still remember being there for the pre-season game where Hextall made his return. Sign-Man was there, holding up a sign that said: “Our Heart Has Returned!”. As much as Bob Clarke’s trade for John LeClair and Eric Desjardins propelled that team, Ron Hextall provided the stability that made the fans forget that it had really been 5 years since the Chris Chelios incident.
• Bad Goals & The Beginning of the “Goalie Controversy”: For years, there was hardly ever any significant complaints about Flyer goaltending. From Doug Favell to Bernie Parent and through Wayne Stephenson, Pete Peeters, Pelle Lindbergh (and later Hextall) – the expression “Goalie controversy” had never registered in the team’s vernacular. This all changed in 1995 and 1996 when a couple of soft goals in series against the Devils and Panthers abruptly dashed potential Stanley Cup dreams. After each of those moments, Flyers fans began wondering if Hextall was capable of being that # 1 goalie again.
• Return to the Finals & One Last Hurrah For Old Time Hockey: Hexy’s final seasons were filled with moments of both greatness and moments where we all suspected we were watching the end of the career. However, Hextall did manage to muster up 1 last moment of invigorated passion on November 10th, 1996. On this night, he injected himself into a full-scale brawl with Toronto goaltender Felix Potvin. With a 3-1 victory secured, Hextall raced the length of the ice after the final horn had sounded to mix it up with his counterpart. The result was a decisive one for the 11 year veteran as the Flyers were on a path destined for the Stanley Cup Finals. Although it ended in a 4 game sweep by the Red Wings, Hextall posted what would be the final of his 5 – 30 win seasons as a Flyer. Hextall retired after finishing the 1998-199 season as a backup to John Vanbiesbrouck. He retired as the winningest goalie in Flyer history!

A final good-bye present for all of you Ron Hextall fans out there: (not mine, but great work by GenerationXFiles on YouTube)

Hexy – you were one of my favorites; As long as I can close my eyes and dream back, I’ll continue to hear the clanging of the pipes. Just promise me that Claude Lemieux won’t show up in my dreams to ruin it all!

Before he arrived in Philadelphia in 1992, the Flyers were both a bad and boring hockey team. They has missed the playoffs three straight years and had started to become irrelevant in the minds of even the most traditional Flyers fans. However, what was perhaps the most concerning was that with a new arena on the horizon, the Flyers had no superstar around which to build and sell their luxury boxes that they were so aggressively pedaling. As soon as Eric Lindros put on the Flyers’ sweater, he instantly brought credibility, rekindled the hopes of fans, and immediately put the Flyers’ ‘Premium Seating’ campaign into overdrive. Besides luxury boxes, Eric Lindros also sold more jerseys more quickly than any other NHL player in the league at the time. I know, I was one of the crazies who literally ordered his #88 within hours of Larry Bertuzzi’s legal finding.

The build up for Lindros’ first games was immense, and when Eric finally scored his first regular season goal at the Spectrum (a game winner against Chris Terreri & the New Jersey Devils), it seemed that all the stars had converged and the Flyers were on a destined path towards their 3rd Stanley Cup championship. As the Flyers’ management began putting pieces around him (Eric Desjardins, John LeClair, Mikael Renberg, Ron Hextall (pt.2), etc.), Eric slowly grew into the player that we all expected him to become. However, it soon become apparent that Eric’s greatest asset (his physical play) would get him into trouble. As he started dishing out physical contact, other teams began building their teams around defending the 6″4′ centerman. Within 2 years, it became clear that Eric’s health was something we would always be wondering about. Injuries not withstanding, Eric was a physically imposing hockey player who was good for 1.5 points per game. As the Flyers returned to the playoffs and Eric won the Hart Trophy at the age of 22, all seemed good in Flyer land.

As the Flyers rushed into the Stanley Cup Finals in 1997 against the Detroit Red Wings, most hockey pundits had judged the Flyers as the better team. Unfortunately, the Red Wings apparently never read those reviews and quickly dismissed the Flyers in a gruesome, 4 game surgical dissection. After the series was over, Terry Murray reflected that the Flyers’ play was representative of a “choking situation.” Eric quickly hung his coach out to dry and the next thing we knew the coach of the year was relieved of his duties. What this whole situation signaled was the control that the Lindros family had begun to impose on the Flyers’ front office. As the days and years went on, we continued to hear rumors about the continued meddling of Carl and Bonnie Lindros. However, the final straw came in response to the Lindros family openly suggesting that the Flyers training staff had nearly killed Lindros after he suffered a rib injury in Nashville in 1999. Although the injury was more serious than originally thought, the thought that the Flyers’ would intentionally or unintentionally put a player (their franchise player nonetheless) in harms way was so insulting to the Flyers’ management that they publicly embarrassed their star player by literally stripping the “C” off his jersey on national television. At this point, ‘divorce’ was only a matter of finding the right trade package.

When Eric was finally traded to the Rangers (does anyone remember the players involved in the deal?), the Flyers’ propaganda machine had convinced most fans that Eric had become a distraction for the organization. Eric went to the Rangers and had a couple of decent years for the Blue Shirts, but my God – it just felt weird to see him in a jersey other than the Orange & Black. After his tour with the Rangers ended, Eric “went home” to play with the Maple Leafs. This experience was far less fruitful than both parties had hoped for and after only 1 year, Eric found himself playing out his career with the Dallas Stars. When it was all said and done, Eric Lindros finished his playing career with 372 goals & 493 assists. As I look at his final statistical dossier, I am reminded of a little exercise I put myself though when the Flyers first acquired #88. I sat there in my parents’ house on the eve of Lindros’ first season and I sketched out how I thought his career would unfold. I estimated point totals over the “early” years of his career, I plotted out a 3-5 year “in his prime phase” and then I estimated a normal (but still productive) “twilight” phase. I don’t remember the exact estimate, but I was sure that “E” was going to be good for 550+ goals and at least 750+ assists. I figured that the Flyers had at least 2 cups coming to them because of Eric’s potential as franchise player.

This all leads me to my final thoughts: what is the legacy of Eric Lindros as a Flyer? should he be a Hall of Famer? should the Flyers continue to minimize his importance in the history of its franchise?

Legacy As a Flyer?

Eric Lindros’ legacy as a Flyer will unfortunately forever be associated with the Stanley Cup he failed to bring to Philadelphia. Perhaps not entirely his fault, but what kind of expectations would you affix to a player who arrived in a trade that sent 6 players, 2 draft picks and 15 million dollars to the then Quebec Nordiques? By the way, it is when I think about this transaction that I realize that people were too damn hard on poor Von Hayes. All quips aside, in my heart and in the heart of most Flyer and hockey fans, Eric Lindros should be remembered as a Philadelphia Flyer. When you look back at the history of this storied franchise, one could make a legitimate case for Eric being one of the most iconic ever to wear the Orange & Black. After Bobby Clarke & Bernie Parent, Eric Lindros deserves that level of respect from the organization. I hope that someday, both he and the organization are able to patch over their differences. Eric deserves to be inducted into the Flyers’ Hall of Fame. He meant that much to this organization during the 1990s.

Hockey Hall of Fame?

Personally, I would have a hard time voting for Eric’s election into the HHOF. Eric was a great player, he did change the game, he certainly set in motion a direction in of recruiting bigger and more physically punishing players to help teams defend against him. However, when that many expectations are associated with one player, and they go predominantly unfulfilled – it is hard to say that he belongs amongst the game’s all-time greats.

Don’t forget – many of these expectations were established early on by one Carl and Bonnie Lindros. Eric’s refusal to sign with the Quebec Nordiques in the summer of 1991 was not the first time that the Lindros family tried to exercise its will over a team who was interested in their son’s services. In 1988, Eric’s family refused to let him play for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. (The Greyhounds had drafted Eric first overall in the Junior A entry draft). With this decision, Eric’s family put him on the proverbial pedestal, picked up the proverbial bull-horn and announced that their son’s talent was deserving special treatment that no other 15-year old hockey player had ever received before. Make no mistake about it, Eric’s family continually SOUGHT & RECEIVED special treatment for their oldest son. For all of the special treatment he received, Eric was expected to deliver a Cup; he was SUPPOSED to be one of the game’s All-Time GREATS. Unfortunately, in both of these areas – he came up short.  Nonetheless, he will always remain one of my all-time favorite Flyers. (I have 3 different #88 replica jerseys in my closet to prove it!)

Lasting Memories

Here’s my short list of great “88″ highlights (by date):

• October 9th, 1992 – Eric breaks in alone on Chris Terreri in the 3rd period of his first Flyers home game to score the game winner; my god was the Spectrum rocking that night!
• November 15th, 1992 – Eric tallies his first career NHL hat-trick in a 7-2 romp over the Ottawa Senators.
• January 19th, 1994 -Eric scores 3 goals during one period against the St. Louis Blues.
• March 20th, 1995 – Eric tallies a hat-trick over Patrick Roy and the Canadiens in a 8-4 victory in Philadelphia.
• April 11th, 1996 – The Flyers close out the Spectrum in their final regular season home game.  Flyers post a 3-2 against the Canadiens, Bob Clarke & Eric Lindros skate around the rink together as a tribute to the Flyers’ past and present.
• February 26th, 1997 – Eric tallies 6 assists against the Ottawa Senators.
• March 19th, 1997 – Eric tallies 4 goals against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
• May 11th, 1997 – Eric scores twice within a 41 second span in the 2nd period of game 5 of the Conference semi-finals against Buffalo.
• May 23rd, 1997 – Eric scores with 7 seconds left in the pivotal 4th game of the Eastern Conference Finals to give the Flyers a 3-1 series lead over the New York Rangers.
• February 18th, 1999 -Eric ties a Flyers record (Bobby Clarke) by recording a point in 18 consecutive games.
• December 9th, 1999 – Eric records his final hat-trick as a Flyer in a victory over Glen Healy and the Maple Leafs.
• May 24th, 2000 – Eric makes his playoff debut of the season and despite a 2-1 loss to the Devils, Eric is clearly the best player on the ice that night as the Flyers fall to the Devils 2-1. Lindros scores the Flyers lone goal of the night.

BTW – the answer to my earlier question: Jan Hlavac, Kim Johnsson, Pavel Brendl, and a 2003 3rd-round draft choice (Stefan Ruzicka)

http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=271025001

This is by far the most brutal, most ridiculous, and most damning indictment of what the NHL has been unable and unwilling to overcome in recent years.  Although it is true that the players have gotten bigger and faster (while the rinks have stayed more or less stationary in size) – who in their right mind can possibly defend this type of barbarism in professional sports?  The players have to learn that if this game is truly worth playing, then it MUST promote the fundamental respect for each and every professional who straps up a pair of skates.  I love hockey & the NHL, but I would never want my son to play a game where this type of behavior is simpy brushed aside as being “part of the game.”   I don’t know Zdeno Chara personally, but I am sure that I would be embarassed if I had to try to defend this type of behavior.

Hockey is a fast, intense & at times physically punishing sport.  However if we find ourselves making excuses for a practice which is silly (@ best), then all we do is to promote and encourage these deviant traditions to continue.  By the way, here’s a thought: if we (as fans) were to turn our backs away from the fighting and face towards the boards, do you think that the NHL will realize that its silent approval of fighting is nothing more than a hit from behind?

“Penalty to # 1, NHL – 10 Minutes for Gross Misconduct!”

Ranger lawsuit
Flyers president said yesterday he was staying quiet on the New York Rangers’ lawsuit against the league until he has a better idea of the facts.

The Rangers filed the suit in federal court claming that the league is violating U.S. anti-trust laws by fining the Rangers $100,000 a day for not giving the league control over the team’s Web site.

The Rangers’ suit alleges they have the right to run their own Web site and control the sale and promotion of team merchandise and branding and that the league seeks to take that away.

“By seeking to control the competitive activities of independent businesses in ways that are not necessary to the functioning of that legitimate joint venture, the NHL has become an illegal cartel,” the suit said.

Anyone that has a vested interested in the Web as a vehicle for marketing and promoting your business should be offended at the NHL requiring all of its teams to be held hostage to a content management system and e-commerce platform that is dictated by the league in almsot every regard.  This has been slowly rearing its ugly head over the last few years.  When you go to the Flyers website, it will look, act and behave exactly like the NY Rangers, New Jersey Devils or even the Nashville Predators site.  Yeah that makes sense – because Nashville, New York and Philadelphia are so perfectly equivalent in their respective marketing, business and sports merchandising strategies.

I really hope the Rangers win this one; I have to believe the Flyers would welcome the chance to let their marketing and IT departments take back control of their website and internet marketing. By the way, this trend is not restricted to the NHL. MLB enforces the same stupid template and strategy on all of its teams.

• Lethargic training camp, the Keith Primeau questions, Hitchcock openly wondering where leadership would come from
• A god-awful start, Bob Clarke and Ken Hitchcock falling on the proverbial sword after 8 games
• Continual beatings at the hands of the Buffalo Sabres and the upstart Pittsburgh Penguins
• The Peter Forsberg “skate-gate” melodrama
• A horrendous losing streak @ home
• A completely lackluster power play
• A couple of intriguing trades (including Peter Forsberg) in the final 1/3 of the season – by “Mr Excitement” (Paul Holmgren)

At the end of it all, the Flyers distinguished themselves with the worst record in team history while securing the # 2 overall selection in the NHL Entry Draft.  Then free-agency began!  Holmgren came out firing; pre-emptive trades for Scott Hartnell and all-star Kimmo Timonen quickly lifted the spirits of Flyers fans.  Then the formal free-agency shopping spree opened with the Flyers landing former Buffalo Sabre center Daniel Briere.  Briere instantly upgrades the Flyers skill level to match the movement in the new NHL.  Shortly after this, Holmgren traded enigmatic defensemen Joni Pitkanen to Edmonton for Jason Smith and equally enigmatic Joffrey Lupul.  With these new faces, Holmgren hopes to build upon the energy and momentum that John Stevens started to see from his team in the final three weeks of the season.

The Questions for the 2007-2008 Season:

1. How quickly will the new faces mesh together and what will be the personality of this team going forward? Will they play defense first or will they let Briere “wheel and deal” the team to nightly 7-6 shootouts?
2. How will Martin Bron respond to once again being the “man” between the pipes?  Is he a legitimate top 10 goalie in the NHL or is he just yet another participant in the never ending game of “Whose Our Goalie of the Future?” game.
3. Is John Stevens really the coach to lead this team forward?  The Flyers were so bad last year, I don’t think anyone really knows yet how to evaluate what kind of coach John Stevens is or will become in the future.
4. Who is the captain of this team on opening night? Briere, Jason Smith & Kimmo Timonen all wore the “C” for their teams last year.  Does Simon Gagne finally want to make the final step in his growth as a leader? If you ask me, I would place wagers on Jason Smith being the captain when the dust settles.  This should allow Daniel Briere to stay focused on what the Flyers are paying him to do – SCORE GOALS!

What would constitute a successful season?

It would probably be unfair to DEMAND a return to the post-season party after a 56-point campaign last year.  Keep in mind that over the past 5 years, the 8th seed in the Eastern conference has averaged 89 points in the standings.  For the Flyers to record the 90 points needed to eclipse this mark, they would have to improve by 22 wins over last year’s total.  Such a turnaround would certainly earn Paul Holmgren GM of the year accolades and would further fuel the fire of the Bobby Clarke “bashers” out there.

With all of this said, I think the Flyers have a a legitimate shot to accomplish this (Briere, Timonen and Smith all cited this expectation at their individual post-signing press conferences).  It will be important for the Flyers to get through the first 2 months of the season without getting buried in the standings.  It will also be critical for them to show a nightly competitveness that was so sorely lacking during last year’s season-long malaise.  If the fans see this much from the team, they will be willing to wait through the inevitable growing pains that this team will be forced to endure over the first 40-50 games.

My Unscientific Predictions for 2007-2008:

• The Flyers get consistently strong goaltending from Biron and Niittymaki.
• Daniel Briere comes as advertised and sets up Simon Gagne to record his first 50-goal campaign.
• Flyers cap off a strong second half run and earn the 8th & final playoff seed with a 90 point regular season.