Oskar Lindblom played in Game Six against the New York Islanders tonight. It’s the Flyers forward’s first NHL game since December 7, 2019. The Flyers announced Lindblom’s return during warmups in an inspirational video.
Lindblom was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, on December 13. The 24-year-old Swede was tied for the team-lead in goals (11) and had 18 points in 30 games before learning of the diagnosis.
“My first thought was, ‘Can I play hockey anymore?’” Lindblom recalled to Sports Illustrated. “I don’t know if I can do anything else. That’s my thing. But then I realized, this is probably not about hockey anymore. I’ll just be happy if I can live like a normal person afterwards.”
Video
He’s in.
Welcome back, @oskarlindblom. pic.twitter.com/SeMbnLKzur
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) September 3, 2020
Lindblom had been skating in warmups with the Flyers since August 30 but did not draw back into the lineup until tonight.
During the first period, Flyers and Islanders players slapped their sticks against the ice and along the boards in salute.
Lindblom first got checked out in December after experiencing seemingly innocuous leg pain. He also found a small bump on his ribcage. After learning of his diagnosis, he had his tumor removed in March and underwent chemotherapy every two weeks. On July 2, Lindblom learned that his body is “without evidence of cancer at this time.”
“Amazing feeling when ringing the bell today!” Lindblom wrote on Instagram. “I can’t even explain how thankful I am for the doctors, nurses and everyone else that have helped me these past 6 months”.
He also thanked his girlfriend Alma, who first encouraged him to go to the doctor.
“I can’t even explain how I feel,” he told the Flyers website. “It feels I’m having a birthday, Christmas, and all those holidays at the same time. It feels awesome to be done. I can’t wait to just get back to normal life again and start feeling like I’m living.”
Oskar returned to the ice for workouts on June 23 and flew to the bubble with the Flyers.
The best tweet you’ll see today. 🧡🖤 #OskarStrong pic.twitter.com/bf3rpKqa5e
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) June 23, 2020
Two months and a day later, after that final cancer treatment, he’s back. He was not expected to play again until next season.
Congratulations, Oskar! You’re an inspiration.
A warrior and a competitor — just two words that describe @oskarlindblom.
It's a time of celebration for the hockey world.
Welcome back, Oskar! 🧡🖤💜 #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/w5B8L5Tka3
— NHL (@NHL) September 4, 2020
Screenshot courtesy of @NHLFlyers
