The diagnosis was made at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Timonen said.

"I got hit with a shot in Game 4 against Montreal," said Timonen, 33. "It's been getting sorer and sorer every day. We thought we'd get it checked out because it didn't get better and they found a blood clot.

"This was just an awful day for me. I played in Game 5 in Montreal, but it was really hurting me. I have to be honest: I didn't expect this result. How many times in your life do you get a chance to play for this, with a chance to go to the Stanley Cup Finals? This is just awful."

Timonen did not make the trip to Pittsburgh for tomorrow's start of the Eastern Conference finals against the Penguins.

The Flyers plan an announcement later tonight.

"We're still trying to get more information," said general manager Paul Holmgren.

Timonen is the club's best defenseman. He was expected to play against the Penguins' dangerous Evgeni Malkin in the series. His loss could have a huge impact on the Flyers' chances