Philadelphia Flyers: How the 1994-1995 Team Handled Their NHL Lockout Season

Much like the current NHL season, the Philadelphia Flyers experienced a 48-game schedule during their 1994-1995 season. 

According to the The New York Times Jeff Klein, the 1994-1995 lockout was based on owners arguing for a salary cap and players wanting that cap applied strictly to rookies. The result was a 48-game compact season and massive loss in revenue and fan viewership. It also didn't help that Major League Baseball was on strike during this time.

On January 21, 1995, the Philadelphia Flyers were underway and primed for the short season. According to hockey-reference.com, the club stumbled out the gate—losing seven of their first ten games with one tie.

Needless to say, this is not how a team full of stars such as Eric Lindros, Mikael Renberg, Mark Recchi and Rod Brind'Amour envisioned this season. General Manager Bobby Clark instantly made a bold move trading away star player Recchi to the Montreal Canadians in exchange for John LeClair, Éric Desjardins and Gilbert Dionne.

The trade proved to be enormous, as head coach Terry Murray created the now famous "Legion of Doom" line, which consisted of Lindros, Renberg and LeClair. These three dynamic players led the Flyers to an incredible run through the end of the season.

The line combined for a total of 176-points during the season, according to hockey-reference.com. In addition, Eric Lindros won the Hart Memorial Trophy for the league's most valuable player.

The Philadelphia Flyers ended their short season atop the Atlantic Division with 60 points and clinched second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. (hockey-reference.com)

The Flyers ended up advancing deep into the playoffs, eventually losing to the pesky New Jersey Devils during the Conference Finals. The Devils continued to beat the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals. 

Although the season was short, the Flyers were able to build a legacy and excite their fans, which remained loyal to the beloved sport. The following season, the team would repeat as Atlantic Division champs (hockey-reference.com) and end up losing the Stanley Cup to the Red Wings the very next season (hockey-reference.com).

Now let's hope the current Flyers will be even more successful in their second go around at a 48-game season, and bring the Cup back to Philly.