Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Hockey Hall of Fame, New Flyers, Top Forward Prospects

First....LGF

Reading this blog about Fred Shero was very interesting and educational.

Communicating and motivating with the written word, makes him similar to John Wooden.

Curious to which reporter it was?

"Yesterday on a local television program, I heard a veteran newspaper columnist -- someone whose knowledge of hockey, quite frankly, is limited at best -- say that Lindros doesn't deserve to get in because he was "never a dominant player" except in the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season when he won the Hart Trophy."

Great blog, Bill.


I feel like I missed so much by being so young when the Flyers won their two Cups. (I was born in 1969). I absolutely believe that Fred Shero's induction into the HHOF is way overdue. I also think its a crime that Pat Burns wasnt inducted prior to his death.


As for Eric Lindros, I'm on the fence. He was unquestionably a once in a lifetime talent. However, he didnt play particularly long and didnt put up particularly great career numbers. And yet, he has several eye-popping individual seasons. I could go either way, and I can see either side of the argument. For those who dont want the Big E in the HHOF for personal reasons, I say... "Get over yourselves".

Great blog, Bill.


I feel like I missed so much by being so young when the Flyers won their two Cups. (I was born in 1969). I absolutely believe that Fred Shero's induction into the HHOF is way overdue. I also think its a crime that Pat Burns wasnt inducted prior to his death.


As for Eric Lindros, I'm on the fence. He was unquestionably a once in a lifetime talent. However, he didnt play particularly long and didnt put up particularly great career numbers. And yet, he has several eye-popping individual seasons. I could go either way, and I can see either side of the argument. For those who dont want the Big E in the HHOF for personal reasons, I say... "Get over yourselves".
- Doc_Sarcasm

Despite his terrible injury history, Eric Lindros managed to post a career ppg average of 1.14. Translated over an 82 game season, thats 93 points. For a career.

Always been a HUGE Lindros supporter, as I believe he is the sole reason I am a die-hard Flyers' fan today. But as I was much younger when all of this was going on with his parents, it was easy to look past what was just hear-say for me at the time. I can now see why people think he shouldnt deserve to be in the HHOF, although his PPG #'s say otherwise (to me at least.) It will be a controversial day IF he ever does make it in but I hope it does happen some day.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Hockey Hall of Fame, New Flyers, Top Forward Prospects
- bmeltzer

great blob, bill.

shero has belonged in the hall forever. in my opinion, lindros absolutely belongs, too.

an regarding homer's comment - you could also interpret this to mean coots isn't going anywhere. i sure hope so.

Congrats to Fred Shero its about time.As for Eric Lindros all i have to say is this.Lindros was the most dominate power forward to ever play this game and i would challenge anyone to tell me who was more dominate than him.Eric deserves to be in the HOF.GET IT DONE

Always been a HUGE Lindros supporter, as I believe he is the sole reason I am a die-hard Flyers' fan today. But as I was much younger when all of this was going on with his parents, it was easy to look past what was just hear-say for me at the time. I can now see why people think he shouldnt deserve to be in the HHOF, although his PPG #'s say otherwise (to me at least.) It will be a controversial day IF he ever does make it in but I hope it does happen some day.
- Trainfellow

It shouldnt be controversial. He was injury plagued. Had he been able to dodge the concussion bug, he likely would have been one of the best.

Despite his terrible injury history, Eric Lindros managed to post a career ppg average of 1.14. Translated over an 82 game season, thats 93 points. For a career.
- jak521

Unfortunately, that 1.14 over his career only translated to 372 goals and 493 assists in a shortened career. Which is why I remain on the fence.


Edit: yes, i realize i said only 372 and 493, and no I dont mean that they are paltry numbers worthy of a long forgotten career 4th liner. i mean "only" in the sense that they're low enough to generate honest dissent as to whether or not Eric belongs in the HHOF.

Curious to which reporter it was?

"Yesterday on a local television program, I heard a veteran newspaper columnist -- someone whose knowledge of hockey, quite frankly, is limited at best -- say that Lindros doesn't deserve to get in because he was "never a dominant player" except in the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season when he won the Hart Trophy."
- Pat MaGroin

John Smallwood

John Smallwood
- bmeltzer

If I remember correctly, Smallwood among others used to beat up on Lindros and Leclair for "not coming up big" in playoff games.

John Smallwood
- bmeltzer

No need for name calling!

Bill, great write-up and a ton of area covered...always like the info on The Fog...

I agree on Big E, he should be in...if you compare Shanny's numbers to E's he beats him in every category on a per game basis, and in plus/minus he beats him over the career and Shanny played with some pretty AWESOME D men in NJ and DET, and still did not have a +/- as high as E...ultimately I blame the Flyers for him not getting in...they (Bobby Clarke) made a nation wide mockery of Eric when as we can all see today, both Lindros boys were ahead of their time when it came to head injuries and standing up and not taking the crap treatment team Docs were advocating. His numbers support it, he has a Hart Trophy...I think there may be only 1 or two guys that have won that award that are not in the Hall...While I agree with the 3 player selected...E should be in the running every year and needs to get in soon.

John Smallwood
- bmeltzer

Watching Smallwood discuss hockey is akin to watching a mouse discuss astrophysics.

John Smallwood
- bmeltzer

Was on the fence if it was him or Marcus Hayes. Personally I think he's a HOF player, but like you said Bill, there probably a personal vendetta against by some of the committee.

Watching Smallwood discuss hockey is akin to watching a mouse discuss astrophysics.
- MBFlyerfan

Mickey?

Watching Smallwood discuss hockey is akin to watching a mouse discuss astrophysics.
- MBFlyerfan

No need for name calling!
- Nortongoalie

Cam Neely (HOF) Games: 726 Goals: 395 Assists:299 PTS:694
Eric Lindros: Games: 760 Goals: 372 Assists:493 PTS:865

Lindros also posted a +215 over his career better than Shanny who made it yesterday and had a longer career...

Bobby Clarke did this to Lindros when he made EVERYTHING public...it is one thing to comment on the dissatisfaction with the team doctors...it is another to go out of your way to humilate your Captain.

Unfortunately, that 1.14 over his career only translated to 372 goals and 493 assists in a shortened career. Which is why I remain on the fence.


Edit: yes, i realize i said only 372 and 493, and no I dont mean that they are paltry numbers worthy of a long forgotten career 4th liner. i mean "only" in the sense that they're low enough to generate honest dissent as to whether or not Eric belongs in the HHOF.
- Doc_Sarcasm

Pretty obvious that Lindros belongs in there with Bure and Neely. The league as a whole should feel ashamed for treating concussions so flippantly for so long.

Always been a HUGE Lindros supporter, as I believe he is the sole reason I am a die-hard Flyers' fan today. But as I was much younger when all of this was going on with his parents, it was easy to look past what was just hear-say for me at the time. I can now see why people think he shouldnt deserve to be in the HHOF, although his PPG #'s say otherwise (to me at least.) It will be a controversial day IF he ever does make it in but I hope it does happen some day.
- Trainfellow

i know nothing of shero, well before my time, i enjoyed watching the flyers in the mid-80's but i too became a fan on fire when lindros came to town.

the guy deserves to be in the hof, the guy was a clydesdale during the worst clutch and grabb era ever, i cannot even imagine the points he would put up in todays nhl, it would blow everyones friggin mind.

being able to plow thru guys holding onto him scoring from any angle, blasting wristers circle high, snap shots that had to be replayed in slow motion to even see the puck, the guy was a total beast

i did not care about the off ice soap opera at all, i never was so enthused to watch hockey when i knew he was playing ever, except for when we had a healthy forsberg.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Hockey Hall of Fame, New Flyers, Top Forward Prospects
- bmeltzer

You've been busy Bill

Bill, you nailed the rationale for keeping Lindros out. There can be no other explanation other than the one you gave, because it's certainly not on the merit of Eric's work on the ice. If you let Cam Neely and Pavel Bure in, you have to let Eric in, IMO. Maybe once other players of that era (the dead puck era) start getting in, there'll be more support for the E Train. I'm glad, however, that Eric is back in the fold here in Philly.

As for Freddie Shero, I can't help but wonder how he would have felt about the use of advanced statistics.