Classy scene as Flyers' Timonen returns

The Flyers players tapped their sticks on the ice as a tribute Tuesday morning, and the little Finn skated in a loop and raised his stick triumphantly.

After nearly 10 months of uncertainty, of trying to figure out if his career was worth resuming while he took medication for blood clots, Kimmo Timonen was back with his teammates.

For the first time since April 30, in Game 7 of the playoffs against the New York Rangers, the veteran defenseman practiced with his teammates  in Voorhees.

"Never saw anything like it," said veteran defenseman Mark Streit of the stick-tapping tribute at a practice.

"It was awesome," defenseman Luke Schenn said. "Just knowing how he is as a person, the type of guy he is, and what he's gone through, it was huge to see him back out there with the team. You see a big smile on his face, but probably an even bigger one on ours."

Timonen, who turns 40 next month, said he is hoping to be ready to play in seven to 10 days. By that estimate, he could return Tuesday in Carolina, Feb. 26 at Toronto, or against the visiting New York Rangers on Feb. 28.

"A lot of stuff went through my head," said Timonen of his return with his teammates. "…We've been waiting and waiting and I went to see the doctor this morning, and he said, 'You're good to go, kid. Go get 'em.' "

Timonen still has a blood clot in his right calf, but doctors have cleared him to play.

"The way I felt today, I felt like I was 50 years old," Timonen said with a laugh. "It's going to take a good 10 days in my mind."

He later said he might return in "seven to 10 days."

Timonen will go through his first full practice with the team Wednesday; Tuesday's morning skate wasn't as involved, and Timonen was on the ice for about 45 minutes.

"It was kind of a soft landing for me," said Timonen, who will go through more drills Wednesday, when he figures to have absorb contact for the first time. "It was good to be out there and get the feeling back."

A few weeks ago, there were rumblings the Flyers would deal Timonen to a contender so he would have a chance to play for a Stanley Cup in his final season.

Since then, the Flyers have inched to within six points of a playoff spot. If they stay in the race, Timonen will probably stay.

"The guys are doing a great job; it's only six points now and there are 25 (actually 26) games to go," he said. "Every game matters."

(more coming)