Hi Jim, I like your question, but it's supposed to be a secret (remember!). Well I would have to say to establish protection means that you can't dish out if you are going to be protected. And since I dish out, I will never be able to establish protection. I can not see playing without being physical.

How do you feel about the decision to play in Game 7? And do you have any regrets about it? Thank you Meagan Clare Brantford, Ontario, Canada

Meagan, I really wanted to play in game 7. As you may know, I wanted to play before then but had an incident at practice. So I don't hold that against anyone. If I were to do it again, I would. People say "he kept his head down, and he shouldn't have"… well that's what happens when your puck handling, and if anything I'm good at that. So I wouldn't have done anything different.

I'm just wondering what you would like to do in the future, would you still be involved with hockey somehow? Hope you'll have a great summer - you deserve it!!! I'll support you no matter what you do:-) Greetings from Birgitte in Norway

Birgitte, I love hockey. So no matter what, I will be involved (someway or another) for the rest of my life. When I retire from the sport, I will try to let my money work for me but something tells me that I might be too bored to not work again. I always liked the idea of being a leader of a corporation. But I can't say at this moment what business that will be.

1) Hello Eric! After all you have been through during your career, how do you manage to stay so dedicated, positive and strong? I realize you love your job, hockey, and therefore this enables you to endure the negativity that accompanies your profession. But I would think it would get to you after a while. You love hockey and want to continue playing and having fun for many, many more years but when those you have worked so hard for and dedicated your entire NHL career to turn on you, how do you cope? I know you have wonderful family and friends who give you their support at all times, but it just seems that all the negativity would become overwhelming. You are such a genuine person who is very gifted and who is willing to share these gifts on and off the ice. Those who know you are very lucky. 2) Do you receive mail, and if so do you have time to respond to the letters or does someone sort through them for you? If so, do you have time to respond to the letters or does someone sort through them for you? 3) You have said your dream is to win the Stanley Cup and to have a family. What would your family be like? What is your wife like? How many children would you have? Would you want them to be in sports? Hey PG,

No, I don't accept mail. I don't even have a mailbox. My mail goes to a PO Box and it is only business mail. My friends talk to me through e-mail or the phone. I would love to answer everyone's question, but we all know that it's not possible. My wife would be athletic, it would be nice to have someone that shares my interests and would workout with me at times.. I would like around 3 kids, and I would like them to do what makes them happy. So if they don't like sports, I wouldn't press the subject.

HI Eric! 1) How do you deal with criticisms or negativity's from the media and fans of other teams? Hi Caryl, 2) Has a reporter ever gone too far in an interview -- as far as delving into your personal affairs? Thank-you! My name is Caryl Cathou I am from Columbia, South Carolina

I deal with negative criticism by ignoring it. Anyone that knows me can tell you that I'm pretty good at it anymore. And there has been my fair share of reporters that tried to ask me about personal affairs and that's when my public relations agent steps in and can usually catch them before they ask something unprofessional.

Hey Eric- I was wondering if you had any superstitions or rituals that you perform before going to play. Thanks! Kelly Mauriello Cedarbrook, NJ Kelly, I wouldn't call what I do superstition. I think it's more of a habit. I always tape four sticks. I'm very picky with my sticks; I put them in the same place every time we play a game at home. I put my left skate on before my right and I have a routine that I go through in terms of stretching.

Dear Eric - would you consider retiring for one year to give your body a chance to recoop. And then return to the flyers (because your fans - and there are thousands - would welcome you back with open arms - and maybe Clarke would have mellowed by then -??? We love you big guy and I think your the best in the hockey world - you bring sparks and excitement to The ice and I seem lots of hockey in my day - I'm old enough to be your mother - take care and god bless you - Eleanor from bucks co. Penna.

Dear Eleanor, I would consider taking a year to recuperate my body, if I needed it. But if what happened to me in the recent past (accident wise) will ever happen again, it won't matter if I took time off or not according to the doctors. Maybe not the team doctors, but I take their advice with a grain of salt.

Why are some of the manufacturers blacked out on your helmets? Thanks Another fan from Beamsville Brian Wiebe

Brian, I have one manufacturer that I use and it's not blackened out. You might be talking about the black adjustment slide that are located on the side of the helmet. That might look like it's a cover, but it's not. Other than that you have me guessing.

Eric, what's life like--what things do you do--for you living in a Cabin on a beautiful lake in Canada>>Is it better than living at the shore?? Tara Baliban of Southampton, NJ

Hi Tara, I like spending time with loved ones and taking it easy when I'm in Canada. When I'm in New Jersey I like to work out more, and spend time with team members (hanging out). I would have to say that I like my house in Canada more than my house in New Jersey (especially the backyard). Although I like my house in Jersey, it's not near the beach. It's on the other side of Jersey.

Dear Eric: The questions I would like to ask you is. Besides hockey and golf what other sports do you like? What type of Music do you listen to most? Cause I know before a game I listen to metalica gets me in the mood to play. And last but not least, What are your favorite T.V shows. Jenn

Sometimes I get in the mood to watch a sport that I don't usually watch. And I might follow it for a season, but then I stop watching. So I can't really answer that because it changes constantly. I listen to all types and varieties of music - everything from Creed to Van Halen to The Rolling Stones to Kid Rock to country. I enjoy all types of music. With TV shows… I would say I like that new show Survivors (I think it's pretty funny). But all in all, I don't watch TV often because of all the commercials. I rather watch a movie

I think you have a lot that players could benefit from you. Would you think of coaching hockey, if you decide not to play? Thanks! Jacki Bellefeuille Brainerd, Minnesota

Hi Jacki, I would probably love to coach hockey when my time comes. Now the keys are "when my time comes". I definitely think I would do something else after I retire before I became a coach though.

Eric, are you going to sign by July 1st, take a year off and rest and recuperate? Laurie Day Delta, Ontario

Hi Laurie, If I learned anything within the last few months, it's that decisions are being made day by day, so I wouldn't want to comment on signing any contracts. But I am not looking to taking any time off. And I feel as though I have been recuperating for long enough. So when I receive the go ahead, I will be looking forward in hitting the ice.

Mr. Lindros, My question for you is! I have talked to a lot of people that have met you. They tell me how nice you are, how big you are, and how handsome you are! So when do I get to see how nice you are, how big you are, and how handsome you are?? Ohhh yeh! And how do you get the time to take a picture with your fans? Can I get my picture taken with you too?? Melanie Droppo Beamsville Ontario!