For a minute there, it really looked like Kimmo Timonen wouldn’t find his way back onto the ice this season — his final season as an NHL player. It looked like his career might be over.
It looked like his team might win the Stanley Cup with him sitting in in the press box as a healthy scratch, a depressing end to a great career. And it was depressing before adding this smack in the face: he needs to play in the Cup Final for at least one game to be eligible to get his name on it, should Chicago win.
But then Chicago lost Game 3, and a few of their defensemen didn’t look so hot in the process. Johnny Oduya got hurt and even though he’ll play in Game 4, the ‘Hawks won’t be able to roll four defensemen the same way they’ve done recently. So now, as we prepare for Game 4, Kimmo’s getting another chance. He’s back in the lineup.
Coach Q says Oduya is likely in and Timonen will play in Game 4. #ONEGOAL
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 10, 2015
Timonen: I’m really excited. I’m obviously going to trust my experience & instincts, try to help the team as good as I can. It feels great.
— ESPN Chicago (@ESPNChiHawks) June 10, 2015
Quenneville on Timonen: “He gives us some predictability … I think he’s smart, experienced.”
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) June 10, 2015
Play it like it might be your last, Kimmo.
