Flyers' Lindblom returns to lineup for Game 6 vs. Islanders

Philadelphia Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom returned to the lineup for a must-win Game 6 against the New York Islanders Thursday.

Lindblom’s return is an emotional one, as he was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer last December. He took warmups ahead of Game 4 but did not suit up for the contest.

The 24-year-old was in the middle of a breakout season before his diagnosis, scoring 11 goals in 30 games. But in December he was shut down for the season while he underwent chemotherapy, which he completed in July.

“I can’t even explain how I feel,” Lindblom said after ringing the bell signifying that his treatments were complete. “It feels like having my birthday, Christmas and all those holidays at the same time. It feels awesome to be done. I can’t wait to get back to normal life again and feel like I’m living.”

Shortly after completing his treatments, Lindblom signed a three-year, $9-million contract extension with the Flyers and general manager Chuck Fletcher indicated Lindblom would travel with the team to Toronto and could return during the playoffs.

“I wouldn’t certainly put any limits on Oskar,” Fletcher said. “We’ll obviously do everything we can to protect him, but he’s looking forward to restarting his life and his career. Whatever that means, we’ll find out.”

Lindblom was named a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to a player “who best embodies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game of hockey.”

In other lineup news, Islanders star Mathew Barzal was available for Game 6 after being hit in the face by a stick in Game 5.

Forward Sean Couturier was not available for the Flyers as they looked to advance to the Eastern Conference final.

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