Screen Shot 2012-01-01 at 2.05.12 PM

This is our third annual “Top Ten Philly Sports Moments of the Year.” You can find lists from 2009 and 2010 here and here. We will be rolling out the moments through New Year's Day.

Number three was originally supposed to be the uber cop out Phillies pitching. And while they absolutely deserve praise, it’s hard to pinpoint one facet other than Cliff Lee’s ridiculous June and August months, which came in at number five on our countdown. 

We have a last-minute, last-day entrant: Lindros to LeClair.

Ms. CB and I were seated high above the net, in section 431. Watching Lindros streak down the side boards as LeClair entered the top of the slot, it was clear what was about to happen. We had seen it so many times before.

Nearly an entire generation – mostly people who fall between 20-35 – experienced their first taste of successful Flyers hockey with Eighty Eight wearing the C. Whatever your opinion of Lindros was, or is, it was clear from the day he was awarded to the Flyers that the direction of organization would be forever changed.

At times he was a crybaby. At times he appeared lazy. And he was always hurt. But when Lindros was at his best, few were better. That best often always came with John LeClair on his wing. 

Yesterday, we got to experience the perfect pairing one final time. It was as if time stood still for the last 15 years– nothing changed… except the 45,000 watching them connect in a ballpark that wasn't even around when they wore the orange and black.

Yesterday, Lou Nolan assured us that all was right with the world: Flyers goal scored by #10 John LeClair. Assisted by #88 Eric Lindros… and #8 Mark Recchi.

The video is after the jump.