The risk is so high of this happening again that someone needs to intervene on Lindros' behalf. Someone needs to tell Eric that if he keeps playing, he will most likely keep getting concussions. Maybe not this year, or next, but it will happen again. How many blows to the head does it take before serious brain damage occurs?

The NHL is rightly lauded for the incredible toughness of its athletes. The injuries the players endure with scarcely missing a shift consistently amazes. Quite frankly, it puts other sports--especially baseball and basketball--to shame.

If a hockey player ends a career with a few permanent ailments, he wears them like badges of honor. Boston Bruins great Cam Neely has no cartilage left in either knee, and he still kept trying to comeback. His career was cut all too short by injury, but the risks he took are a mark of dignity.

An exception must be made to this code of honor for head injuries. Believe-it-or-not, but players have higher obligations than hockey, and most of them center around family. With the money Lindros has already earned, he has more than provided for their financial well-being. But his kids still need a father; his wife still desires a loving spouse.

All the money and all the NHL records in the word won't mean a thing if Lindros takes one more good shot along the boards.

Eric Lindros could've been great. The price of greatness is now way too high.

Lucky Devils

Speaking of great players, the New Jersey Devils have forced a Game 7 tonight at the First Union Center (anyone else find it ironic that a Philly home arena abbreviates to the F.U. Center?) after being down 3-1. They can thank the hard work of one man, winger Claude Lemieux.