The Forgotten Four

The Big E is getting his big day... but what about the others?


Number 88 is no longer available.

Eric Lindros will have his number 88 retired in January

The Philadelphia Flyers announced this week that they will retire Eric Lindros’ famed jersey number in a special ceremony this January.

The “Big E” will join Flyers greats Bernie Parent, Mark Howe, Barry Ashbee, Bill Barber and Bobby Clarke as the only players to have their numbers retired. Lindros who last year was inducted into the hockey hall of fame, served as captain from 1994 to 2000.

News of Lindros’ impending sweater retirement is hardly surprising. During his time in Philadelphia, Lindros emerged as a star forward amassing 290 goals and 659 points in 486 games. Along the way he captured the Hart Trophy and Lester B. Pearson (now Ted Lindsay) award. A string of concussion related injuries and a very public falling out with Flyers GM Bobby Clarke, lead to Lindros being dealt to the New York Rangers in the summer 2001.

Few in the hockey world would argue Lindros' star status. His number being retired by Philadelphia is a well-deserved honor. That said, is Lindros jumping to the front of the line? With more than 50 years worth of star players, are the Flyers putting Lindros' jersey retirement ahead of others?

Here are four Philadelphia Flyers who deserve to have their number retired BEFORE Eric Lindros.

Mark Recchi - 8

Solid and dependable, this gritty right-winger had two stints in Philly where his work ethic and tenacity lead him to set a franchise record for points in a season with 123. Recchi who will be inducted into the hockey hall of fame this November, was much faster and far less prone to injury than Lindros. Oh, and unlike the “Big E”, Recchi broke the 50-goal mark in a Flyers uniform.

Mark Recchi was a constant scoring threat for Philadelphia

Ron Hextall - 27

Ron Hextall's impact on goaltending is undeniable. Not only was he the first goalie to score a goal by shooting into an empty net - a feat he managed twice and in a Flyers uniform I might add- he inspired a generation of netminders, Martin Brodeur among them, with his style of play. In his rookie year he won the Vezina trophy and lead Philadelphia to the 1987 Stanley Cup Final where he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in a losing effort. He would return to the Flyers in 1996-97 again taking them to the final. Hextall's aggressiveness in goal endeared him to fans as he was suspended multiple times. A Broad Street Bully if there ever was one.

Ron Hextall was both a threat on offence & defence

Pelle Lindbergh - 31

Since his tragic death in a car accident at age 26, no Flyers goalie has dared wear Pelle Lindbergh's number 31 - and rightfully so. Lindbergh was the first European born and trained goalie to be a star in the NHL. He would win the Vezina trophy and be named to the all-star game in 1983 and 1985. At the 1986 all-star game he would become the first player in NHL history to be posthumously selected. Flyers faithful still talk about what could have been but one thing is obvious - Pelle Lindbergh is revered.

Pelle Lindbergh proved that european trained goalies could be stars in the NHL.

Reggie Leach - 27

A native of Riverton, Manitoba, Reggie Leach joined the Flyers in 1974 and had an instant impact on the club. The "Riverton Rifle" potted 45 goals that season and helped the Flyers claim their second-consecutive Stanley Cup. The following year, Leach would set career highs in goals with 61 - a club record that stands to this day - and points. His performance in the 1976 playoffs would cement Leach as one of the greatest players in Flyer history. Scoring 24 points in 16 games he won the Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP. Leach also set an NHL record - which was tied by Jari Kurri - that playoff year with 19 goals. In short, Reggie Leach was a goal scoring machine and is considered one of the top 10 players in Flyer history.

Reggie Leach's 1976 playoff performance has yet to be matched in Philadelphia

The debate over which players are deserving of having their numbers retired is always spirited. However, some players are clearly no-brainers. While the Flyers prefer to have a player in the hall of fame before retiring their sweater, they would be wise to honour those who've helped shape the franchise. Mark Recchi, Ron Hextall, Pelle Lindbergh and Reggie Leach are deserving of having their numbers honoured as well.

On January 18th Eric Lindros will be celebrated and rightfully so. One can only hope that the Philadelphia Flyers give the "forgotten four" a celebration of their own sooner rather than later.

@HockeyCynic