NHL

Game 4 of Stanley Cup Finals to have a little Philly flavor

Game 4 of Stanley Cup Finals to have a little Philly flavor
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It’s reasonable to argue thatFlyers fans will have a vested interest in the outcome of Wednesday night’s Stanley Cup Final Game 4 between the Blackhawks and Lightning.

While Chicago looks to dig out of a 2-1 hole at home, they will mix things up by replacingKyle Cumiskeywith former Flyer Kimmo Timonen.

It will be his first appearance in the series, and according to NHL rules, will earn him the privilege of having his name on Lord Stanley’s Cup should the Blackhawks win.

“I’m really excited,” the defensemansaid after the team’smorning skate. “It’s been a long couple weeks here and you know, I’ve been working out hard just to hope I get this chance to play one more, or more games, and looks like that moment came today.”

Timonen suffered from blood clots during the offseason and sat out while working to make an improbable comeback at the age of 40. He did make a comeback, albeit with the Blackhawks after a February trade.

In 519 games in orange and black, Timonenscored 270 points whole averaging more than 22 minutes per game. He was also a valuable locker room voice for several playoff-contending teams in South Philly.

Timonen has 35 career points in the postseason in 105 appearances, and perhaps his leadership and experience could help the team contend with what has been a dynamic Tampa Bay squad.

On their side of the bench, two more faces familiar to Flyers fans contend for a title in Braydon Coburn and Matt Carle. Coburn was sent south in February as well, netting the FlyersRadko Gudas and first- and third-round picks. Carle last played for Philadelphia in 2012

In 23 games during the playoffs with the Lightning, Coburn has a goal and three assists, averaging 16:44 in ice time. Carle has three assists in 22 games, with roughly the same ice time.

Game 4 kicks off at 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBCSN.