The Flyers and their fans rallied around the 23-year-old during the team's first home game since Philadelphia announced Dec. 13 that the forward was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare bone cancer.
During warmups, the Flyers wore Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys, which
are being auctioned off
until Jan. 2 with proceeds benefiting Ewing's sarcoma research at the Sarcoma Foundation of America.
They played a video montage for Lindblom before puck drop, and the fans saluted him with a standing ovation and by displaying "I fight for Oskar" signs they received on their seats.
"It was touching, the tribute they did for him there," forward Travis Konecny said after Philadelphia's 4-1 win against the Anaheim Ducks. "There was definitely a lot of energy in here tonight for him. … He's a great kid … It's tough when you know you know him pretty closely. We just have to support him."
Tuesday marked the first time Lindblom was with the Flyers for the first time since his diagnosis, and his presence gave his teammates a boost.
"It was awesome to see Oskar this morning," goalie Carter Hart said. "It was good to see him, the positive attitude he had. It uplifted our group; something to play for and someone to play for. We're alongside him for this fight every step of the way."
Back in his hometown of Gavle, Sweden, Lindblom's junior club Brynas IF sported heart decals with "OL 96" on the backs of their helmets.
