Eric Lindros' top 5 moments with the Flyers

The Philadelphia Flyers will retire Eric Lindros' iconic No. 88 ahead of Thursday's contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The ceremony will recognize his eight seasons with the black and orange - an era in which the then-Flyers captain was seen as hockey's "Next One."

Here are our top five most memorable "Big E" moments from his time in Philadelphia:

Philadelphia debut

Fans packed the Spectrum to witness Lindros' first game in Philadelphia in October 1992. He didn't disappoint.

After scoring his first goal in his NHL debut - a road game versus the rival Pittsburgh Penguins - Lindros extended his streak to two games when he stripped the puck from future Norris Trophy winner Scott Niedermayer and tucked it by New Jersey Devils netminder Chris Terreri.

No stick, no problem

With this kind of fancy footwork, maybe he could have had an MLS career.

Losing his stick wasn't enough to keep the puck away from Lindros, as shown by his impressive battle along the boards in the 1997 playoff opener against the Penguins. He wrapped the night with one goal and one assist.

Playoff penalty shot

A miscue by Buffalo Sabres goaltender Steve Shields and a subsequent trip on the Flyers captain led to this penalty shot showdown in the 1997 playoffs.

Charging toward the net, Lindros beat Shields for the first playoff penalty-shot goal in Flyers history, then tapped the brakes just enough to avoid barreling over linesman Gerard Gauthier.

Two tallies vs. Nordiques

Nordiques fans were sour enough that Lindros refused to play in the Quebec capital, but scoring twice in his first trip to the city? Talk about rubbing salt in the wound.

That was the story in October 1992, as Lindros pocketed a pair of goals at the raucous Colisee, bringing his total to four goals and an assist through his first four NHL games.

Conference final hat trick

Scoring in the playoffs is difficult enough, but Lindros made it look like child's play in this 1997 conference final contest against the New York Rangers, as he slid three goals by New York netminder Mike Richter.

Years later, fans of the Broadway Blueshirts welcomed Lindros as one of their own, as the "Big E" was traded to New York during the 2001 offseason.

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