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Oskar Lindblom Named a Finalist for Bill Masterton Trophy

By Ariel Melendez

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 27: Oskar Lindblom #23 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates his goal in the second period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 27, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 27: Oskar Lindblom #23 of the Philadelphia Flyers celebrates his goal in the second period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 27, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The Bill Masterton Trophy is awarded annually to the player who who best embodies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game of hockey. And for the second straight year, the Flyers have a finalist in Oskar Lindblom.

The 2020-21 season was Lindblom’s first full season since a cancer diagnosed ended his 2019-20 season in December. In the midst of a breakout season, he led the Flyers in goals (11) and had 30 points in 18 games. He was on pace to reach a new career high in goals and was challenging for a new high in points as well. He recorded 17 goals and posted 33 points the season prior to that.

Lindblom would return in the bubble, appearing in the final two games of the Flyers’ second round series against the Islanders. This season, he posted eight goals and 14 points in 50 games. But being able to get back on the ice with his teammates was the biggest win of them all. It was clear it would take some time for Lindblom to gain his strength back, as to be expected.

A healthy year is all we could ask for, though. Lindblom is joined as a finalist by Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba and San Jose Sharks forward Patrick Marleau.

Dumba was the co-founder of the Hockey Diversity Alliance and has been outspoken making the game more inclusive and eliminating racism from the game completely. He also hosted his inaugural Hockey Without Limits camp in February. The camp is aimed to promote inclusion and diversity while helping provide children the opportunity to play.

When you looking at perseverance and dedication to the game, Marleau immediately comes to mind. He appeared in his 1,768th game in April, making him the NHL’s all-time leader in games played. The record was previously held by Gordie Howe. Marleau has played in 910 consecutive games which is the fourth-longest streak in NHL history. He has plans to return next season and would climb closer to that 2,00th game mark.

Both Dumba and Marleau are first time finalists for the award. If chosen, Lindblom would become the first Flyers’ player to take home the award since Ian Laperriere won it in 2010. Only two others have taken the award home in franchise history: Bobby Clarke (1972) and Tim Kerr (1989).

The award is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The winner will be announced during the league’s NHL Award Show, which will take place during either the Semifinals or Stanley Cup Final.

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