Forward Oskar Lindblom took part in the Philadelphia Flyers’ warmups prior to Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the New York Islanders at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sunday. Ultimately, he played no part in the game itself.
The Swedish player has not played since December when he was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a form of bone cancer. Coach Alain Vigneault had the following to say regarding Lindblom’s progress, “He’s working extremely hard right now to get back to game shape and game conditioning after what he went through. Obviously we can’t talk about who’s in and who’s out, but he’s working extremely hard, and I think everybody was happy to have him around the team and on the ice tonight.”
Lindblom completed his treatment July 2, seven months after his initial diagnosis. Coach Vigneault went on to explain, “He’s getting closer to coming back. It’s nice to have him around us. Such a great guy, and what he’s been through, he’s done a heck of a job just being positive and keeping a good attitude. Having that around us just reflects on us. We’re excited to have him around.”
Having lost Game 4 by a scoreline of 3-2, the Flyers are at risk of elimination in Game 5 should they not manage to secure a win.
