Here we are again with the best Philadelphia Flyers by jersey number. In part three, we listed some Flyers and NHL legends. From Claude Giroux, to Ron Hextall, to Peter Forsberg, the last list was jam packed with stars. This section is a bit more rocky as the numbers in the thirties aren’t typically worn as much. But, with that being said lets take a look at the best Flyers to wear numbers 31 through 40.
Best Flyers Jersey Number: 31-40
31. Pelle Lindbergh
Lindbergh was the second coming of Bernie Parent. His style of play directly reflected Parent’s and he even wore the same mask as Parent as tribute to him. Lindbergh started with the club during the 1981-82 season but is most remembered for his incredible season in 1984-85. It was his fourth season with the club, and during this season he was the clear-cut best goaltender in the league.
In this season, he played in 60 games, with a record of 40-17-7. To go along with his tremendous record, he posted a .899 save percentage and a 3.02 GAA. Although his numbers were not of historic stature, he was the backbone of this Flyers team and was awarded the Vezina Trophy that season. Lindbergh was arguably the biggest factor in the Flyers postseason success that season. He propelled them to the 1985 Stanley Cup, in which they fell short to Edmonton. Despite all of his early success, Lindbergh’s career was ended very abruptly. He passed away the next season in a fatal car accident.
32. Murray Craven
Craven joined Philadelphia for the 1984-85 season, after spending two years in Detroit. He went on to spend eight years with the club and appeared in 523 games for the Flyers. Craven didn’t achieve any individual accolades during his career but produced a decent amount while in Philly. He scored 152 goals and assisted on 272 for a total of 424 points during his Flyers tenure. Craven also lent a helping hand in both of their Stanley cup appearances in the ’80s, losing both to Edmonton.
33. Pete Peeters
First of all, before we dive into his on-ice production, let’s just recognize that this guy had an all-time hockey name. Peeters and Brian Boucher both could’ve been chosen for this spot on this list. They had very similar careers with the Flyers, starting their careers in Philly, leaving for a period of time, then finally returning as vets. Boucher had some memorable playoff moments and a great rookie season. But Peeters get this spot due to the fact that he was more consistent while with the Flyers. He was better than most goalies in the league while with Philly, while Boucher was typically below-average, apart from his previously mentioned moments in the limelight.
34. John Vanbiesbrouck
A number that was briefly wore by Dave Poulin before he switched to 20, not many great players have worn this number. Vanbiesbrouck was the best player to wear it, having two good seasons when he was the Flyers stater. Craig Berube could’ve been another player selected for this slot. However, only his first few seasons were decent at best, giving this spot to Vanbiesbrouck.
35. Steve Mason
Although Mason is on the wrong end of one of the most regrettable exchanges Philly has ever made, he was actually pretty good in Philly. He was traded from Columbus for Sergei Bobrovsky during the 2012-13 season. Mason went on to spend five seasons with the club and posted his best numbers while on the Flyers. In the orange and black, he had an impressive 2.47 GAA with a .918 save percentage. He is one of the most underrated goalies to play for the club, his stats tell you everything, he was a brick wall who was severely underrated.
36. Bobby Clarke (again)
No Flyer has made 36 their jersey number truly over the Franchise’s history. Clarke wore the jersey for one single game due to a bizarre circumstance. His jersey was stolen in Winnipeg, and the only extra jersey they had was one with the number 36. Although he only wore it for one singular game, he outshined the handful of individuals who wore it for seasons as a Flyer. He is the greatest player to player for the franchise, so any number he wears he qualifies as the best to wear that number.
37. Eric Desjardins
Desjardins was shipped to Philly in the same trade that brought John LeClair. Desjardins was a great defenceman, he could move the puck extremely well, and he chipped in on the offensive end as well. He also holds a record for the Flyers, winning the Barry Ashbee trophy seven times. The award is given to the best defenceman on the team, and he was chosen for the award very often during the ’90s.
38. Derek Grant
A number only worn by seven players in Flyers history, none for an extended period of time. Grant was the most recent player to wear 38 after being traded to Philly from Anaheim. He appeared in only seven games but averaged half a point a game. Anyone to wear this number could’ve been thrown in this spot, but we chose Grant due to him being the most recent.
39. Marty Murray
Another Flyers jersey number that doesn’t have a lot to choose from. Murray was a bottom six forward while with the club. He spent two seasons in Philly in the early 2000s. However, despite the lack in players to wear this number in the past, Matvei Michkov will wear 39 with the club. He is set to debut next season and will most likely be overtaking this spot on the list as the best Flyer to wear 39.
40. Vincent Lecavalier
Lecavalier is most remembered for his time as the Tampa Bay captain. But, after leaving the Lightning he came and spent three seasons with the Flyers. Although it was the very end of his career; he was a very serviceable third liner at the time. His veteran presence was also great for the younger players in the lineup.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
