Plenty of ‘Special Moments’ at Lindros’ Jersey Retirement

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(Kate Frese/SB Nation)

By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 

As per usual, the Flyers put on quite a show with the ceremony retiring Eric Lindros' No. 88.

The Flyers really pulled out all the stops, with a big 88 at center ice, plenty more 88's around the concourse and arena, painted on the ice behind the nets, on the boards, over the tunnels to the locker rooms and of course in the stands with t-shirts for every fan in attendance.

For Lindros, the sight of it was special and he became emotional reflecting on what was to come just before the ceremony.

"I just walked the concourse and this morning I went for a stroll to see all the shirts in the seats, it’s unbelievable," Lindros said prior to the ceremony. "This is one of those days that you take for the rest of your life. It’s a special moment and you really feel lucky."

There was more than just the army of 88's around the arena. The Flyers had all the trophies Lindros won in his career at center ice. As the ceremony began, white screens scaled the Wells Fargo Center scoreboard, covering the center ice circle. A pair of tribute videos played before the curtains dropped to reveal Lindros standing at center ice.

Paul Holmgren addressed the crowd first before giving the microphone to Lindros, who spoke for about five minutes reflecting on his years in Philadelphia. 

Lindros' family was introduced, with his sister and parents accompanied by two of his most famous linemates, the other parts of the Legion of Doom in John LeClair and Mikael Renberg.

Then came the moment of the night. Standing along the blue line, the banner was raised, putting No. 88 alongside the other five retired numbers in franchise history. 

The Flyers then turned in a fairly special performance, at least when ranked among the games from this season, scoring a 3-2 comeback win in overtime over the Leafs.

The entire ceremony can be viewed below. 

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