Legends of Team Canada: Eric Lindros

Few players were more dedicated to Team Canada than Eric Lindros.

The Big E burst onto the amateur scene as a 16 year old when he was already making headlines as the next great hockey sensation. He was too good to play in the junior leagues, and was already showing an interest in the Canadian national team. In fact he played 5 games, and scoring 2 goals, with the “Nats” while still playing junior B hockey.

At age 17 and 18 Lindros would eventually join the Oshawa Generals of the OHL, but it was at the world junior championships where the whole nation could see their rising star on a grand stage for the first time. He would lead the Canadian national junior team to back-to-back gold medal championships in 1990 and 1991, and an unsuccessful tournament in 1992. In 21 career contests at the famous junior championships, Lindros would leave few doubters with 12 goals, 37 points and a Top Forward (1991) designation.

Canada Cup '91

Before turning pro, Lindros became the only Canadian player to play in a top level international tournament without having any National Hockey League experience. The 18 year old phenom was invited to the 1991 Canada Cup training camp and not only made the team, but impressed with his physical dominance. The gigantic teenager was more than holding his own with grizzled NHL warriors, and chipped in with 3 goals and 5 points to help Team Canada capture the final Canada Cup championship.

In a perfect world Lindros would have joined the National Hockey League right after that Canada Cup tournament, but he would not see eye to eye with the Quebec Nordiques who owned his playing rights. He opted to sit out the year and wait for a trade. In the meantime he would return to the Canadian national team with his eyes set on participating in the 1992 Olympic games.

'92 Olympics

Lindros would be joined by the likes of Sean Burke, Joe Juneau, and Jason Woolley, and the team came excruciatingly close to capturing the first Canadian Olympic gold since 1952. However Canada would have to settle for silver, thanks to a 3-1 defeat to the Russians, then known as the Unified Team, in the final game.

Lindros’ NHL situation came to a settlement in the summer of 1992, and the long awaited phenom turned professional in 1993 with the Philadelphia Flyers. Despite an impressive rookie season that was cut short by injuries, the Flyers never made the playoffs that season. Team Canada came calling for Lindros’ services and again he eagerly returned to help Canada in the World Championships. Lindros was named as the tournament’s best forward thanks to his 11 goals and 17 points in just 8 games, although it was not enough to earn Canada a medal.

Injuries would plague Lindros throughout his National Hockey League career, but that would not prevent him from helping Team Canada when he had the opportunity. He represented Canada in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, which was essentially the Canada Cup with a new name and trophy.

Two More Olympics

Later when the Olympics were opened up to NHLers, he readily accepted invites back to the famous tourney. He was captain of the hard luck 1998 Canadian Olympic team that was unfortunate not to get by the eventual gold medal champion Czech Republic.

Lindros managed to recuperate from serious concussion injuries in time to return to the Olympics in 2002. This time Lindros played a quiet and under-appreciated role, as Canada would capture their first gold medal in exactly fifty years.

Because of his controversial stands against the NHL establishment and serious injuries that have prevented him from becoming as dominant a player as he likely would have become, Lindros has had his fare share of critics over the years. One area where no one can criticize him for is his undying devotion and contributions to Team Canada.

Great Trades In Hockey History: The Eric Lindros Trade(s)!

Eric Lindros was the obvious choice for the first selection in the 1991 NHL Entry draft. No player had dominated the Canadian junior hockey scene like Lindros had since the days of Mario Lemieux, or Wayne Gretzky before him, or Bobby Orr before him.

The only problem was the Quebec Nordiques held that coveted selection. Lindros made it quite clear that he did not want to play for the Nordiques, as he did not like their ownership and management groups. Critics suggested he was just a greedy kid who knew he could make more money if he played in the United States. Plus the team was downright awful, the tax laws were unforgiving, and his endorsement potential would be little in a small French town. Despite many lucrative trade offers, the Nords took Lindros first overall. Lindros refused to put the jersey on at the proceedings.

The Nords tried to sign Lindros. They reportedly offered over $50 million over 10 years, to which Lindros responded "If they offered me $100 million, I would not play for them." Clearly it wasn't a money issue for the Big E, who shocked many by turning down such a lucrative contract. "They don't want to win. I don't think everyone in their organization has the same goal: winning the Stanley Cup."

It was obvious that it would not be in the cards. The entire season elapsed before anything would be done to resolve the situation. During that season Lindros played mostly for the Canadian National team. He started the year in the Canada Cup, where he physically dominated NHL competition. He had memorable hits on Joel Otto, Martin Rucinsky and Ulf Sameulsson. He definitely did not look out of place, despite being only 18 years old, and the only non-NHLer to ever represent Canada at that tournament. Lindros also represented Canada the World Junior championships, and the Olympics, where he helped Canada win a silver medal.

Quebec finally dealt Lindros a year after drafting him. Actually, just to complicate the soap opera even more, they traded him twice. They had reached agreements with both the Flyers and the New York Rangers. The Flyers felt an agreement was made, only to have Quebec then go to New York and see if they would up the ante any. They did, and Quebec then agreed to trade Lindros to the Rangers. The Flyers cried foul. The NHL had to call in an arbitrator to settle the dispute. Finally, arbitrator Larry Bertuzzi concluded the deal first reached with Philadelphia was a legally binding agreement.

The Nordiques received defensemen Kerry Huffman and Steve Duchesne, goalie Ron Hextall, forwards Mike Ricci, Chris Simon, and Peter Forsberg, draft picks and cash reportedly in the neighborhood of $10 million US. By the way, the Rangers offer reportedly consisted of Alexei Kovalev, Tony Amonte, Doug Weight, John Vanbiesbrouck, cash and draft picks. Either way, the deal was a blockbuster of the most ridiculous of proportions! In fact even at the time of the deal it looked like the Nords got more for the soon to be rookie Lindros than the Oilers had gotten for trading Wayne Gretzky in his prime.



Lindros was every bit as good as advertised, though injuries plagued him nearly as much as his critics. The Nordiques hit the jackpot with their return, especially in the form of Peter Forsberg. But the city would lose the team to Colorado. The following year the newly renamed Avalanche landed Patrick Roy from Montreal - something that would never have happened had the team stayed in Quebec - and won the Stanley Cup!

Lindros Auctions Off Memorabilia

I'm going to preface this article and come right out and say it: I like Eric Lindros. Actually he's one of my favorite players of the 1990s.

There, now I said it. Full disclosure.

I don't expect you to like Eric Lindros. It is not the easiest thing to do. He dug his own hole, taking unpopular stances about dictating where he was going to play. He's guarded, moody, abrupt and has no visibly likable personality, and he pissed off a lot of fans and a lot of hockey people along the way.

Before he ever stepped out on an NHL ice surface, Eric Lindros was heralded as the next great superstar. Even as a boy he could dominate NHLers physically, as he proved in the 1991 Canada Cup. Plus he had all the skills to be a great scorer - great shot, good passing, good skating, good stickhandling. He was unrealistically billed as the closest thing to a perfect hockey player since Gordie Howe. Expectations were out of this world.

Add to that the fact that he spurned much of Canada, especially French Canada, for his refusal to play for the Quebec Nordiques, and he had already turned many fans and media members against him. Then he goes to Philly, where he is immediately the target of a vicious circle of media and fans from arch rival cities like Washington, Pittsburgh, and especially New York. It seemed like the whole world was against this guy.

You can continue on reading my Eric Lindros biography, but the point of today's post is to mention that Eric Lindros is selling off a lot of the memorabilia from his personal collection at ClassicAuctions.net.

There is no shortage of NHL worn jerseys, equipment and sticks. There is even a knee brace, which if you are as big as Lindros could be a really good buy. Personally I'd rather have his 1991-92 Oshawa Generals jersey.

On the international side there is his 1992 Albertville Olympics game worn jersey, as well as jerseys from the 1992 World Juniors, 1993 World Championships and 1991 Spengler Cup

Also of interest are a Phil Esposito 1972 Summit Series game jersey, a 1963-64 Dave Keon game worn (and repaired) jersey, a 1968 Canadian Olympic jersey, and a Howie Morenz Memorial Game worn jersey.

Be sure to check out the Babe Ruth and Toronto Blue Jays items, too. 

The Big E: Eric Lindros

From ESPN.com's Pierre Lebrun:

Eric Lindros is smiling a lot these days.

It's not so much because he finally got the call for the Hockey Hall of Fame, though make no mistake, he's thrilled about that.

No, this has to do with his lot in life. Happily married and with three very young children, life after hockey is suiting The Big E just fine.

Eric Lindros 2.0 knows a thing or two about changing diapers.

"Wiping butts and cleaning up spills," he said with a smile during a sit-down interview recently. "Our kids take up most of our time. We've got three under 29 months now. It's off to the park, off to libraries, swim classes, we're on the go. It's what parents do, right?"

There's contentment in his voice, perhaps something that was missing at times during a hockey career that contained electrifying moments as well as its share of controversies.

He has been able to reconnect with the sport that made him famous via his pickup games in his native Toronto.

"Hockey is a great game. Hockey is a wonderful game," Lindros said. "So many great memories about what it is. Even now, I look forward to skating with the guys on Tuesday. Thursday morning we have a really good skate too. No referees.

"It's great. It's wonderful. It's hockey."

Here's the full Pierre Lebrun feature on 2016 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Eric Lindros.

Long time readers will already know that I was a huge and unapologetic Lindros fan back in the 1990s.

I don't expect you to like Eric Lindros. It is not the easiest thing to do. He dug his own hole, taking unpopular stances about dictating where he was going to play. He's guarded, moody, abrupt and has no visibly likable personality, and he pissed off a lot of fans and a lot of hockey people along the way.

Before he ever stepped out on an NHL ice surface, Eric Lindros was heralded as the next great superstar. Even as a boy he could dominate NHLers physically, as he proved in the 1991 Canada Cup. Plus he had all the skills to be a great scorer - great shot, good passing, good skating, good stickhandling. He was unrealistically billed as the closest thing to a perfect hockey player since Gordie Howe. Expectations were out of this world.

Add to that the fact that he spurned much of Canada, especially French Canada, for his refusal to play for the Quebec Nordiques, and he had already turned many fans and media members against him. Then he goes to Philly, where he is immediately the target of a vicious circle of media and fans from arch rival cities like Washington, Pittsburgh, and especially New York. It seemed like the whole world was against this guy.

Here is my full profile of Eric Lindros.

Shoebox Memories: Eric Lindros And The 1991 Canada Cup

Back in 1991 I definitely bought into all the hype about a kid named Eric Lindros. He was supposed to be the next great thing. He was supposed to be a monstrous Gretzky or Lemieux. He was supposed to be better than Mark Messier. Maybe he was the second coming of Gordie Howe?

Injuries prevented Lindros from fulfilling that destiny. And controversies prevented many people from ever liking him. He was easy to not like.

Yet he was always a favorite of mine.

My first real exposure to Eric Lindros came in the 1991 Canada Cup. Though he was just 18 and still in junior hockey, the giant phenom came in and played an important role in the Canadian victory. Lindros scored 3 goals and 5 points in 8 games, but more importantly physically intimidated the opposition as a teenager.

Many remember this man-child crunching Ulf Samuelsson - one of the NHL's toughest and dirtiest defensemen - sending him home early.

But it was a different hit that I vividly remember. And Lindros was the receiver on this hit.

Team USA's Joel Otto - another monster who earned a NHL living by slaying Messier in the Battle of Alberta - lined Lindros up behind the Canadian net. Lindros did not see him coming until the final second, yet he braced for impact just in time. Lindros' progress was stopped, but he swatted Otto away. The giant Otto crashed backward to the ice.

It was quite the debut for the most hyped hockey prospect not named Bobby Orr or Wayne Gretzky to that point in history.

Lindros' career did not go according to plan, yet it concludes later this year as he is finally, and rightfully, included in the Hockey Hall of Fame as one of the greatest players in the history of hockey.

Can Hometown Hockey Save Eric Lindros?

This season former Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean is hosting a new Sunday night hockey show called Hometown Hockey.

The show has real promise. Each week Ron MacLean sets up the show in a different Canadian town and does what Ron MacLean does best - celebrates the game at the grassroots level, while presenting high quality storytelling. In other words, Rogers' hockey programming, at least on Sunday nights, will be "very CBC-like."

In the first edition on October 12th, MacLean and the CBC gang go to London, Ontario and celebrate the OHL Knights, Darryl Sittler and Eric Lindros.

MacLean blogged about, previewing his feature presentation on Lindros:

Eric recalled the endless hours he and his dad Carl had spent working on their backyard rink, “That little bit of heaven,” perfecting one-timers and deflections and working on his favourite drill, The Circle. Eric would skate in a circle and receive passes from his father, first on his forehand, then on the back. His job was to handle the pass and quickly get a shot on goal. Later they would switch places and Eric would pass to a moving target. This would go on for hours and hours on end.

On Saturdays, they would practice until just before leaving for Eric’s house league hockey. Yes, Eric started in house league, using second hand equipment. He was growing at such a pace new gear was just not an affordable option. And clearly it was not required.

This got me thinking - is this finally the turning point for Eric Lindros? He was hockey's dominant player in the post-Gretzky and post-Lemieux world, albeit far too briefly due to concussions and other serious injuries like damaged knees and a collapsed lung. The public never like him because he was easy not to like. While controversies dogged him, he was cast as a monstrous villain. And, as the holier-than-though Hockey Hall of Fame committee continues to show, he never got the respect he deserved as hockey's top player or the sympathy he deserved for the price he paid to the game.

Perhaps Ron MacLean's visit to London, Ontario this weekend will cast Eric Lindros in a different light. Perhaps now the public will be willing to forgive him for all the concussions and injuries that we now realize are so scary and dangerous. Perhaps now the pressure will grow on the public, and therefore the Hockey Hall of Fame, to recognize Eric Lindros for what he rightfully is - one of the greatest hockey legends.

Lindros might not really care about that. He is using this event to further the fight against concussions. He is the celebrity emcee for a fundraising gala in London for the See The Line project. a collaboration between Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry and London’s hospitals and research institutes that focuses on concussions. See The Line seeks to reduce the number of concussions and to educate people on the issue. It’s a world-class initiative that’s based in London.

Hockey Hall of Fame Disappoints: Lindros, Women Should Be Honoured

Blake, Forsberg, Hasek, Modano, Burns and McCreary elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame. http://t.co/fLoPmeu2RP pic.twitter.com/Ky1nteCyD5
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) June 23, 2014

Congratulations to the newest inductees to the Hockey Hall of Fame. All are worthy enshrines and there should be no debate about any of their inclusion.

There is no doubt about Dominik Hasek's immediate inclusion. I truly believe there is a great argument to be made that he was the greatest goalie ever. And I also know he had a higher peak of his career than Patrick Roy had.

Rob Blake was a dominating defender. Mike Modano was an excellent all around player who was destined to get in the Hall, though his status as the highest scoring American born player in history really cemented his immediate inclusion.

And Bill McCreary was my favorite referee. Like most fans, I don't usually pay much attention to who the referee is, but McCreary was not only a welcome and recognizable official. When he wore the stripes you knew he would allow for a fair and well played contest.

Pat Burns is nice and all, though they could have had the heart to do it while he was alive. Coaches are oddly honoured by the Hall. It seems to me there are a number of historical coaches who never got honoured, so it's good to see that wrong is being righted.

And then there's Peter Forsberg. We will get to him in just a second, but first I want to say how flabbergasted I am that yet again no female player is inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. If the bar for the men's game was as high as it apparently is for the women's game, we'd have a whole lot fewer enshrinees. Maybe that's the way it should be, but in reality surely the HHOF could have found someone to honour. France St. Louis? Cassie Campbell? Danielle Goyette? Karen Bye? C'mon!

Now back to Forsberg. Absolutely Peter Forsberg belongs in the Hall of Fame, and I have no problem with his immediate inclusion. It is hockey's highest honour, and Peter Forsberg deserves it.

But really did not like was that the Hockey Hall of Fame inducted Forsberg while continuing to make Eric Lindros wait.

Lindros and Forsberg's careers are forever interconnected, of course. But Lindros, who is now made to wait for at least a 6th year of eligibility, is not only a Forsberg's ultimate comparable but arguably better.

 Here's the tale of the tape:

	Forsberg	Lindros
GP	708	760
G	249	372
A	636	493
Pts	885	865
PIM	690	1398
Hart Trophy	1	1
Pearson Trophy	0	1
Art Ross Trophy	1	1
All Star	3	2
Stanley Cup	2	0
Olympic Gold	2	1

There really isn't a whole lot of difference between the two. There was just 20 points difference between them. Both missed a ton of time due to their immense physical style of play which resulted deteriorating bodies betraying each of them.

And, most importantly, both flirted with being the game's most dominant player for periods of time.

The comparisons were inevitable of course. Lindros, the NHL's favorite villain, refused to report to the Quebec Nordiques and forced a trade. A trade with Philadelphia was eventually completed, headlining Forsberg, who was drafted 6 spots behind Lindros in 1991, as part of a huge package going to Quebec. From that moment on, the two men were inexorably linked.

The biggest differing point between the two is Stanley Cup championships. Forsberg and transplanted Nordiques won two while in Colorado. Lindros never did win a title, despite all of his efforts.

I think the Stanley Cup argument is a bit overblown. Yes, Forsberg was one of the greatest players in Stanley Cup history. But his three championships were aided by Joe Sakic, who some say is better than Forsberg. And then there was Patrick Roy, hailed as the greatest playoff goalie of all time. Lindros never had the supporting cast that Forsberg had.

When it comes right down to it, I say there is little to choose between Eric Lindros and Peter Forsberg. Lindros was always easy to dislike, which helps to stain his legacy. Forsberg's legacy is, in my opinion, a bit overrated if only due to the great supporting cast he enjoyed.

In reality, they had pretty equal careers, though history will suggest otherwise. Why is that? Peter Forsberg was very likeable. Eric Lindros was thoroughly disliked. But that really should not be a determining factor .

Instead, the Holier-Than-Though Hockey  Hall of Fame has missed the perfect opportunity to right and wrong and induct Eric Lindros - right along side his old nemesis Peter Forsberg.

Hockey Card of the Day: Eric Lindros

1990-91 Score #440 Eric Lindros Rookie Card

Covered: Eric Lindros

Who Was Better? Lindros vs. Forsberg

It is funny how history is recorded sometimes.

Take the careers of Eric Lindros and Peter Forsberg. The two were similar players and their fates were forever intertwined even before either player made it to the NHL.

While Lindros will go down in the minds of many as a great disappointment highlighted by enduring controversies and unfulfilled expectations, Forsberg will go down as one of hockey's greatest warriors.

That's quite a difference in legacy considering the two had remarkably similar careers. Full Story

NHL Season Opens Without Greatest Star

 
When the NHL drops the puck on their 95th season tonight, they will do so without their greatest star.

The fact that Sidney Crosby, who was clearly emerging as the game's best player last season, has not played a game in 9 months due to concussion is terrible news for the NHL fans. Worse yet, there's no foreseeable date for his return. Even when he returns, how will he play?

Could the NHL possibly have lost it's greatest player? Or at least have lost him to a degree to render him ordinary? That is exactly what happened to the last "next one." His name was Eric Lindros. Sure he was unlikeable, but the antiquated hockey community dismissed him as an bobblehead. Outside of the love vs hate relationship, could Lindros and Crosby's careers turn into mirror images of each other? So far it's looking that way. And it is the fans and the game will be the losers, again.

A lot of things have changed in the few years since Lindros' days. We are far more educated about head injuries. From Matt Cooke's once-legal blindside hits to long term brain injuries to players, to the countless lost games and lost careers and, possibly most damning of all, to the possible link between fighting and the deaths of Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak, we have certainly had endless evidence of the dangers of hits to the heads. Society is on the verge of no longer accepting hits to the head. Could fists to the head be far behind? Or do we have to have another Bill Masterton or Don Sanderson die before that becomes an issue again?

The hockey community is starting to change. Hockey Canada has banned all head hits at all youth levels.They are taking great lengths to educate players, coaches, officials and, just as importantly, the parents and families.

It is great to see the grassroots levels lead the charge and change the culture. But why does it have always have to be Hockey Canada or other grassroots communities that lead the change? No one has more of an impact on hockey at every single level than the National Hockey League itself. Yet they have time and time again failed to recognize this and live up to the responsibilities of caring for the game below the NHL level.

It would be nice to see the NHL use this opportunity to lead the change - to make it's game and the game at every level below it better and safer. Don't count on it, but this is the NHL's grand chance.

Hall of Fame Worthy? Eric Lindros

If I told you about an anonymous player whose resume includes a Hart Trophy, an All Star, an Olympic gold and silver medalist and, when healthy, one of the most dominant players of his era, I think you would consider that to be a strong case for enshrinement for the Hockey Hall of Fame. You would be even more convinced when I tell you that player has the highest point per game average of all top candidates entering the debate.

But when I tell you that that anonymous player's name is Eric Lindros, all best are off.

I'm going to preface this article and come right out and say it: I like Eric Lindros. Actually he's one of my favorite players of the 1990s. There, now I said it. Full disclosure. I don't expect you to like Eric Lindros. It is not the easiest thing to do. He dug his own hole, taking unpopular stances about dictating where he was going to play. He's guarded, moody, abrupt and has no visibly likable personality, and he pissed off a lot of fans and a lot of hockey people along the way.

But if you are able to be objective enough, you can not deny he was also a great hockey player.

Though his career numbers were lessened by all the injuries, he was the sixth fastest player in NHL history to score 600 points, joining the elite company of Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Peter Stastny, Mike Bossy and Jari Kurri.

Combined with the accolades I mentioned to start off this article, is that enough to land him in the Hockey Hall of Fame? I don't know. They let Bernie Federko. Same with Bob Pulford and Dick Duff and Clarke Gillies. And I'd say Lindros was a far better player than they were.

They also let Cam Neely in. And as Ken Campbell points out in the September 18th, 2007 issue of The Hockey News, Neely is a very comparable player, but not as good as Lindros. And since they let Neely in, the Hall might have to save face and let Lindros in.

Both players were similar power forwards and both had careers decimated by injuries. Scoring wise Lindros was a significantly better scorer on a point per game basis in both the regular season and playoffs.

Neither player won a Stanley Cup, but Lindros is by far the more decorated player. He won a Memorial Cup and was named top player in the OHL and CHL before arriving in the NHL. He won a Canada Cup, an Olympic gold medal and an Olympic silver medal on the international stage. In the NHL he won the Hart and Pearson trophies as the best player in the game, and essentially shared a scoring title. He was also a first and second team all star at the much more competitive center position.

It's a tough call, and Lindros' character will undoubtedly be questioned. I think there will be a movement to keep him out because while he was the best player in the world at times, he wasn't good enough for long enough. But to me the Hockey Hall of Fame has to let Lindros in just to save face from some of their past questionable decisions.

The only thing I know for sure is that if Lindros does make it to the Hockey Hall of Fame, there will be lots of controversy surrounding him. As always.

Best of GHL: Who's Better? Forsberg or Lindros?

My "Who's Better?" series has been very well received, but never more so than when I looked back on the careers of Peter Forsberg and Eric Lindros. Here's a taste:

It is funny how history is recorded sometimes.

Take the careers of Eric Lindros and Peter Forsberg. The two were similar players and their fates were forever intertwined even before either player made it to the NHL.

While Lindros will go down in the minds of many as a great disappointment highlighted by enduring controversies and unfulfilled expectations, Forsberg will go down as one of hockey's greatest warriors.

That's quite a difference in legacy considering the two had remarkably similar careers. | Full Story |

Three Star Selections:

• Hockey Night In Canada In "Jeopardy"
• Table Hockey Dreams
• Other NHLs

Generals To Retire Eric Lindros' Jersey

The Oshawa Generals will retire Eric Lindros No. 88 when the OHL club hosts the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors on March 6.

Lindros, a London, Ontario, native played for the Generals from 1989-1992 and lead the team to their last Memorial Cup in 1990. In 95 games played in a Generals uniform, Lindros scoring 97 goals and 216 points.

When I heard this, I wasn't surprised. But here's what floored me:

"Lindros' banner will become just the second to hang from the rafters of the General Motors Centre, joining the late Red Tilson's No. 9."

What? How can this be?! Bobby Orr, the most famous Generals graduate doesn't have his jersey retired?

For that matter the Generals have had a lot of greats over the years, guys like Tom McCarthy, Rick Middleton, Danny O'Shea, Dave Andreychuk, and Scott McCrory

Who Was Better? Peter Forsberg vs. Eric Lindros

"No harm's done to history by making it something someone would want to read." - David McCullough.

It is funny how history is recorded sometimes.

Take the careers of Eric Lindros and Peter Forsberg. The two were similar players and their fates were forever intertwined even before either player made it to the NHL.

While Lindros will go down in the minds of many as a great disappointment highlighted by enduring controversies and unfulfilled expectations, Forsberg will go down as one of hockey's greatest warriors.

That's quite a difference in legacy considering the two had remarkably similar careers.

Here's the tale of the tape:

	Forsberg	Lindros
GP	697	760
G	248	372
A	623	493
Pts	871	865
PIM	678	1398
Hart Trophy	1	1
Pearson Trophy	0	1
Art Ross Trophy	1	1
All Star	3	2
Stanley Cup	2	0
Olympic Gold	2	1

There really isn't a whole lot of difference between the two. There was just six points difference between them. Both missed a ton of time due to their immense physical style of play which resulted deteriorating bodies betraying each of them.

And, most importantly, both flirted with being the game's most dominant player for periods of time.

The comparisons were inevitable of course. Lindros, the NHL's favorite villain, refused to report to the Quebec Nordiques and forced a trade. A trade with Philadelphia was eventually completed, headlining Forsberg, who was drafted 6 spots behind Lindros in 1991, as part of a huge package going to Quebec. From that moment on, the two men were inexorably linked.

The biggest differing point between the two is Stanley Cup championships. Forsberg and transplanted Nordiques won two while in Colorado. Lindros never did win a title, despite all of his efforts.

I think the Stanley Cup argument is a bit overblown. Yes, Forsberg was one of the greatest players in Stanley Cup history. But his three championships were aided by Joe Sakic, who some say is better than Forsberg. And then there was Patrick Roy, hailed as the greatest playoff goalie of all time. Lindros never had the supporting cast that Forsberg had.

When it comes right down to it, I say there is little to choose between Eric Lindros and Peter Forsberg. Lindros was always easy to dislike, which helps to stain his legacy. Forsberg's legacy is, in my opinion, a bit overrated if only due to the great supporting cast he enjoyed.

In reality, they had pretty equal careers, though history will suggest otherwise.

But I guess when it comes right down to it, if I were coaching and I had to choose only one of these two players to win game 7 with, I'd choose Forsberg because of his status as a playoff hero.

Scott Stevens vs Eric Lindros

They're careers will forever be linked. Think of one, and you have to think of the other.

While most people will remember Scott Stevens' defining and almost career ending body check on Eric Lindros, I will always remember those two had a battle that lasted years.

Over at Hockey's Tough Guys I've posted YouTube video footage of Eric Lindros fighting his arch rival Scott Stevens:



And here's a bonus fight, as Lindros is in tough against the wily Marty McSorley:



You can view all sorts of classic hockey fights at Hockey's Tough Guys

Bobby Clarke: Lindros Should Be In Hall of Fame

Eric Lindros is set to announce his retirement on Thursday. That is no surprise, as injuries have decimated his career and he has not actively sought on ice employment this season.

With his career now over, it is also no surprise that the Hall of Fame debate has begun in earnest. Should he be included? It's a fitting time, given that it is Hall of Fame weekend up coming, although The Big E will have to wait until 2010 before he is eligible to be enshrined.

It is also no surprise that a lot of fans don't think he should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. TSN.ca's poll suggests 75% of fans don't think Lindros is deserving. Fans love to hate Lindros.

What is surprising is that one of Eric Lindros' biggest detractors has publicly joined the yes campaign. Bobby Clarke, the ultimate Philadelphia Flyer and long time general manager feuded with Lindros for a long, long time. But when TSN's James Duthie asked him whether Lindros should be in the Hall of Fame, Clarke said yes, calling him the dominant player of his time and even going as far as to compare him with Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.

"I believe he should be in," said Clarke. "This was the first big, powerful, dominant forward with the skill, not (Wayne) Gretzky or (Mario) Lemieux, but close."

"He won MVP, he was an All-Star, he went to the Stanley Cup final. If you eliminate the crap that circled him, he is easily a Hall of Fame hockey player," said Clarke.

"The last few years were really tough but prior to that Eric was just a player playing hockey," explained Clarke. "Had his parents left him alone I don't know what this kid could have done because he could really play."

Video of Clarke's thoughts are available here.

For what it is worth, I too think Eric Lindros deserves to be included in the Hockey Hall of Fame. I explain it in my Eric Lindros profile from last week.

Look, I don't expect you to like Eric Lindros. It is not the easiest thing to do. He dug his own hole, taking unpopular stances about dictating where he was going to play. He's guarded, moody, abrupt and has no visibly likable personality, and he pissed off a lot of fans and a lot of hockey people along the way.

But if you're capable of removing the soap opera off ice stuff that surrounded him, the injuries and your personal dislike of him, you have to give the guy his due. Hey if Bobby Clarke can, you can too.

Here's a nice little YouTube tribute. It appears to originate from one of Don Cherry's Rock 'em, Sock 'em videos.

Legion Of The Doomed

I don't expect you to like Eric Lindros. It is not the easiest thing to do. He dug his own hole, taking unpopular stances about dictating where he was going to play. He's guarded, moody, abrupt and has no visibly likable personality, and he pissed off a lot of fans and a lot of hockey people along the way.

But I did like Eric Lindros. And, given the watered-down Hall of Fame we deal with in reality, he does belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame. I explain it all in my latest player profile as I feature "The Big E," Eric Lindros.

And just for kicks I've also added oft-injured linemates John LeClair and Mikael Renberg.