Fighting For Oskar Lindblom, Flyers Continue Climbing Up Metro Division Standings
On December 7, 2019, Philadelphia Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom was just being himself. Playing hard-nosed, battle tough hockey in the midst of a break-out season. But, little known too Oskar, that would be his last game of the season & a week later his life would change forever.
After seeing specialists at the University of Pennsylvania hospital, Oskar Lindblom was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, on December 13, 2019. A diagnosis that took Oskar’s battles from on the ice to off the ice.
“This transcends hockey” Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher said.
Immediately, prayers & support came pouring in from around the NHL. Teams & players both offering & showing their support for Oskar & his fight ahead.
In the midst of uncertainty, Oskar’s teammates were devasted.
“It’s hard. I don’t know how to react or what to say or anything like that” Oskar’s close friend & countrymen Robert Hagg said.
“We love Oskar, he’s a strong kid, we are all behind him, we are fighting with him” Flyers Captain Claude Giroux said.
“This is much bigger than hockey. This is about someone’s life. We’re there to support him through this whole process” Flyers James van Riemsdyk said.
Supporting Oskar is something that has been on all his team-mates mind. Playing every night the way Oskar would. Hard & never giving up.
“It’s tough. But I think if he was here, he’d would want us to battle hard and win some hockey games” Flyers Sean Couturier said.
Battling hard and winning hockey games is something the Flyers have been doing as of late. However, it wasn’t always that easy.
Following the diagnosis, the Flyers had a tough time playing while thinking about their team-mate. Going 6-9-1 in the next 16 games. But, that would all change one January afternoon.
On January 11, the Flyers & Tampa Bay Lightning battled in a hard fought 1-0 game that went the Lightning’s way. But, a familiar face would be waiting in the locker-room.
Oskar Lindblom would surprise his team-mates following the 1-0 loss. It was the first time Oskar saw his team-mates since his treatments started.
“I can tell you it was great to see Oskar the other day, his teammates care deeply about him” GM Chuck Fletcher said. “There is some pretty good energy in the room right now. I think that was in large part from seeing Oskar.”
That energy has resulted in the Flyers making a push. A big push not just towards the playoffs. But, the Metro Division title and possibly beyond.
Since Oskar’s visit on January 11, the Flyers are 15-3-1 & have risen to 2nd place in the Metro Division. A rise that currently has the Flyers on a 6-game win streak, their longest of the season.
In the midst of the Flyers current 6-game win streak, Oskar would make another appearance. After their 4-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets, Oskar was once again waiting for his teammates in the locker-room. But, it was his coach who was the one most excited to see him.
“Big smile, I just saw him after the game, looked beautiful” Alain Vigneault said. “It makes everybody feel good when he comes around.”
The Flyers climb up the Metro standings isn’t just for themselves or the city of Philadelphia. It is for their team-mate Oskar Lindblom.
This team has rallied around their team-mate & friend. In the midst of adversity, the Flyers have come together and are fighting for Oskar on & off the ice. A fight that will be at it greatest point tonight in Washington.
In what could be the game for the division, the Flyers face the Metro Division leaders, the Washington Capitals. A game where a win would put the Flyers just 1-point back. But, a loss 5-points back.
No matter what happens tonight in Washington, win or lose, the Flyers will still continue their fight towards the playoffs. A fight they carry on for their team-mate, Oskar Lindblom. #OskarStrong