Eric Lindros And The "R" Word

The New York Times takes a little liberty with today's headline: "For the First Time, Lindros Says He May Retire." The oft-concussed Ranger never mentions the word "retire" in the ensuing article. But he sounds tired and frustrated, and leaves the impression that he's pondering a career change.

"I certainly want to play hockey," Lindros tells the Times. "That being said, it's not for a game or two, because this is getting old and tiresome. It's no fun."

Lindros will be 31 years old at the end of February. He has sustained eight concussions in his NHL career, the latest when Jason Doig of the Washington Capitals nailed him last week.

Hockey fans are by now familiar with the frightening tales told by concussion victims. Kings' forward Adam Deadmarsh, who hasn't played in over a year, can barely step on the ice without feeling dizzy. Hall of Fame scorer Pat Lafontaine, forced to retire at age 33, recalls the terrifying uncertainty of his symptoms; he might feel fine for most of the day, only to be ambushed by sudden moments of disorientation and memory loss.

Currently, a dozen NHL players are on the injury list because of a concussion or post-concussion syndrome. All but one are listed as sidelined indefinitely. In addition, there is Jason Allison of the Kings, whose "whiplash" diagnosis stems from concussion symptoms. In Colorado, Dan Hinote is out because of "dizziness," while Adam Foote is suffering "migraines."

Post-concussion syndrome has lately felled the most intimidating of NHL defensemen, Scott Stevens of the New Jersey Devils. He hasn't played since January 7. Talking to reporters recently, Stevens suggested his daily activites consist of little more than a nice, long walk.

Lindros sounds a similar note: "Just to get out of the house is great. I'm just tired. From what the doctors have said, this is the way it's going to be for a little bit."

"I'm just trying to get through a day when I'm not tired. When that happens, you start implementing more to your day... Then you can seriously start looking at any physical act."

Needless to say, there is no timetable for his possible return to the ice.

Tonight, the Rangers will retire the number of goaltender Mike Richter, who retired last summer after enduring two concussions and a skull fracture in a little over a year.

"It will be 15 months this week and for the first time during that period I actually have to think about whether I'm 100 percent," Richter told NHL.com. "I'm not quite there, but the point is I used to be quite certain I wasn't."

Eric Lindros says he will be there. "I'll see Ricky before, be there for the ceremony, then probably head home after that."