The Philadelphia Flyers are facing Washington Capitals on Thursday in Toronto, the Eastern Conference’s hub city, and it will be the second round-robin matchup for both teams. The Flyers are 1-0 in the seeding tournament and are off to a great start and this could get better.
Head coach Alain Vigneault shared extraordinary news, saying that left winger Oskar Lindblom, who finished treatments for a rare bone cancer last month, is currently skating in Sweden and will “soon” join the Flyers in Toronto.
He could even joined his teammates later in the postseason if the Flyers reach later rounds. Per Sam Cardichi of the Inquirer, “general manager Chuck Fletcher said he was hopeful Lindblom would play at some point in the playoffs. Because of the extended season caused by the pandemic, Vigneault said, it was realistic Lindblom would play, based on the fact that doctors originally said the winger should be ready to return in September.”
If the Flyers are still in contention in September, Lindblom could be inserted in their lineup. He was tied for the Flyers lead with 11 goals when he received a diagnosis of Ewing’s sarcoma back in December.
“Obviously, Oskar has been through a lot,” teammate Travis Sanheim said to the Inquirer. “We’ve been with him every step of the way, trying to support him as best we can. .. If he’s able to join us at some point, I think it would not only be good for him but the team itself. To have him around the guys would be great. He’s such a likable guy, It would motivate us and help us in the playoff run.”
Can you imagine the boost for the Flyers if they keep going next month?! Wow!
