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Flyers Playoff Player Review: Bunnaman, Lindblom, Gostisbehere

By Walt Gebelein

Jan 16, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Connor Bunnaman (82) during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Connor Bunnaman (82) during the first period against the Montreal Canadiens at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oskar Lindblom Playoff Review: The Best Night of The Season

Philadelphia Flyers
Oskar Lindblom, Philadelphia Flyers (Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports) /

Oskar Lindblom was off to a great start in the 2019-2020 season. He was tied for the team lead in goals and had really become a force in the offensive zone. I could not have been more excited about what he was showing. Dominance in the cycle, really smart and slick passing in tight spaces and great touch around the net.  It was a joy to watch.

Then Decemeber 11th came. Lindblom was out with an “upper body” injury.  I thought this may have been from an over zealous practice. Days later it was shown to be cancer, Ewing’s sarcoma.  That may have been my worst day in 2019. I was stunned, shocked, saddened and a little sick to my stomach. Lindblom would not play again in the regular season, and entered  the fight of his life.

Of course 2020 came and unleashed a continuing series of “worst days” for many of us. But then came bubble hockey, the NHL playoffs, the greatest spectacle in sports, it was like Christmas in August. Then things got even better.  On September 3, Oskar Lindblom took the ice for the Flyers against the Islanders, in a must win game six that the Flyers eventually took in overtime.  Lindblom would dress again in the deciding game seven, which the Flyers would lose.

By the Numbers

Lindblom did not record a point or even a shot in the playoffs. He was a minus one for in the two games he played, as he was on the ice for the Islanders fourth goal, into an empty net, in game seven. While clearly not at 100% Lindblom’s did not lead to the Flyers demise.

As was the case for most of the Islanders series, the team, excluding Carter Hart, did not play well in the games Lindblom dressed.  On the surface things looked fine for Lindblom with an even 50% overall corsi percentage.  Unfortunately, this was buoyed by a 12-0 shots for advantage stemming from his six powerplay minutes.  At even strength Lindblom’s corsi slipped to 38%. It should be noted that only Couturier, Giroux and Voracek were able to surpass 50% at even strength.

Lindblom played just over 34 minutes of playoff hockey in 2020, and that is a stat everyone should celebrate.

Grade: Incomplete  (As a Human Being: A+)

I took exception to Alain Vigneault using Lindblom in the playoffs.  Partially out of concern for Lindblom’s health, but more so to what I thought would be a lack of effectiveness. I was hoping for Morgan Frost.  I have to admit it was an inspiration to see Lindblom back on the ice, and Frost likely would not have made the difference in the series.

While Lindblom did not look great on the ice, as compared to what he looked like in November, he did look pretty good for someone who just beat cancer and had not played a game in 9 months. But given the circumstances, it may not even be fair to give him a grade. But I will thank the Flyers, and Lindblom for the bit of hope and inspiration in what has been a difficult year.

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