Flyers' Timonen could make surprising return in Game 5

"I went to the hospital. I didn't know what to expect," Timonen said. "I didn't expect this news. Obviously, this is a good chance for me to play, and I wanted to make sure, and I'm sure everyone else wanted to make sure that there is absolutely no danger at all. That's not the risk I want to take, and I'm sure nobody wants to take that risk.

"I've got to trust the doctors."

Having Timonen back would provide a big boost for the Flyers. His ability to carry the puck and ease Philadelphia's transition game from defense to offense could prove to be a key asset in getting through the clogged-up neutral zone.

"Kimmo is one of the best puck-moving defensemen in the league," goalie Martin Biron said. "He's even better on the ice when you don't notice him because he does the little things right all the time. He makes guys think twice. It's no secret he's an All-Star.

"When you play against him or play with him, that's when you appreciate his full value."

The unexpected emotional lift of having such an important player back in the dressing room can't be quantified.

"He's a huge part of our team," Flyers coach John Stevens said. "Through this year he's progressed, and in the playoffs he's really taken his game to another level. I think just his presence around our team all year, he's got deep respect by all his teammates. He just has composure all the time. I think that's infectious on our team."