Comments on: Lindros: Hockey hero or disappointment?

By: Hockey Dad II

Hockey Dad II — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:26:10 +0000

I hate to see Lindros’ career come to this. My son idolized him and uses his name in his email address still. My son is now 22 and fighting in Iraq for the Army. That kid played 16 years of youth hockey up through Junior B level and was constantly inspired by Lindros. It is that kind of influence and idol worship that kept him out of trouble and on the ice through some really good games. Lindros’ numbers alone should get him into the hall but his inspiration should make up for anything he may lack.

By: Schultz for Calder

Schultz for Calder — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 00:50:58 +0000

If he had learned to skate with his head up, he might have spent so much time twitching on the ice.
If he goes into the hall, they definately need to put him next to Scott Stevens. Under Stevens, if that’s possible…

By: The Peerless

The Peerless — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 22:38:40 +0000

Thunderweenie…
I don’t mean to suggest Lemieux was a disappointment. Far from it. That he accomplished as much as he did in the face of the obstacles in his path speaks to the player he was.
The point is that both players had to face obstacles not of their making that perhaps resulted in both not achieving the full potential of their talent. Lemieux has those Cups and MVP awards and scoring titles, but had he not have his own obstacles to overcome, he might be called “The Great One.”
In Lindros’ case, without his history of concussions (which in a purely hockey sense, in terms of being able to play the game, had — in my opinion — more of an impact on him that Lemieux’ problems had on him) he might have had the record of accomplishment you noted for Lemieux.
That’s the unsatisfying “well never know” thought.

By: JR

JR — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 21:42:53 +0000

The great 88 had a couple of amazing years and a nice run. Hall of Fame? No way.

By: MulletMan

MulletMan — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:49:18 +0000

Also, a quote from the Cam Neely wiki “He became the archetype of the ultimate power forward”. I don’t see or hear anything like this while discussing Lindros. People today still talk about Cam and how he changed the role of Power Forward. When I hear talk of Lindros I think about improved head gear and keeping my head up while skating…the boy never learned to skate with his head up.

By: MulletMan

MulletMan — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:43:32 +0000

I thought that Lindros was loved in Colorado. They would not have been the same team if Lindros would have signed with the Quebec Nordiques.
I think that will be the biggest factor on him not getting into the hall. He outright stated he would not play for a Canadian team…unless it is the Canadian Olympic Team.
I didn’t realize until now that he had pulled the same I won’t play if you pick me stunt when he was drafted in the OHL by Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

By: Thunderweenie

Thunderweenie — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:48:48 +0000

Here's the Canadian Press' take. The Clark Gillies comparison is an interesting one. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=222465&hubname=

By: jeremy

jeremy — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:03:06 +0000

Wow… great shot on Lindros… Hmmm… Can you say Scott Stevens!

By: Busy Dad Mumbles

Busy Dad Mumbles — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:27:58 +0000

It is sad to see Mr. Lindros go. He was a target from the first day he stepped onto the ice.
He was a talent. It is sad to see him broken down and out.

By: norske

norske — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 01:08:30 +0000

Lindros was a dominating player in his day. People actually feared playing against him. He won the Hart and the Pearson Trophies one year, showing how the league considered him. He made a couple of post-season All Star Teams. He was better than a point a game player.
On the other hand, he never exceeded 50 goals in a season, and exceeded one hundred points only once. He’s below 500 goals and 1,000 points for his career. (Yes, many of hall of famers don’tmeet that standard, but those stats can sway a close case.) He looks good next to Cam Neely, though, with more points and more honors (Neely’s only trophy was the Masterton, which no one really aspires to win). So, on the Neely scale he should make it, but I’m not at all sure he will. Neely basically got in through sheer sentimentality. People loved the way he played, so they overlooked the obvious shortcomings in his injury-shortened career. I don’t see Lindros getting the benefit of that kind of sentimentality. Neely was beloved, in Boston and elsewhere. I don’t think Lindros is beloved anywhere.