"This is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I'm really looking forward to working alongside Tim Saunders and with the team," Therien said yesterday.

Therien played 11 seasons with the Flyers. His 753 regular-season games are the most ever by a Flyers defenseman. Therien collected 29 goals and 130 assists and 583 penalty minutes.

Therien has served as an analyst on Flyers postgame shows on Comcast SportsNet.

"[Therien] has the right personality to make it work," Saunders said. "He knows the game and he can communicate. The rhythm and timing [on broadcasts] will come in time."

Therien is scheduled to be a guest on today's "Daily News Live" on Comcast SportsNet, between 5 and 6:30 p.m.

A former Flyers left winger, Propp has worked with Saunders on WIP Flyers broadcasts for seven seasons.

Attempts by the Daily News to reach Propp last night were unsuccessful. He is believed to be stepping down to focus on his insurance business.

With 849 points, Propp is No. 3 on the all-time Flyers scoring list, behind Bob Clarke (1,210) and Bill Barber (883). Propp's 369 goals are second only to Barber's 420. Propp also is runnerup in assists (480) to Clarke's 852.

WIP's Brian Startare will continue as the in-studio host during Flyers games. *

send email to fleiscb@phillynews.com