Since game one, the Penguins have had the strategy of trying to destroy Flyers’ defenseman Kimmo Timonen, every time the 5-foot-10, 175 lbs. Finn touches the puck. But however smart the strategy is, Timonen has not been phased.
The hardest hit came early in game three at the hands of Chris Kunitz. As Timonen skated toward the corner to dish the puck, Kunitz came flying out of nowhere and collided with the defenseman’s head, sending him quickly and violently on his back, hitting his head on the ice. The crowd let out a gasp and Scott Hartnell charged Kunitz for some payback.
But the type of hit that could have easily knocked a player out for the rest of the series, was simply brushed off by Timonen, who continued to play as if nothing happened.
“If he is going into the game trying to hurt me, that’s fine,” Timonen said. “I don’t really care. Hopefully, we can do the same things to them tomorrow. It really doesn’t bother me unless I don’t stay healthy. I’m fine now. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, actually.”
Aren’t we all.
Phila.Bright 