Blackhawks' Kimmo Timonen, Kris Versteeg In For Game 4
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Five years ago yesterday was the last time Kimmo Timonen took the ice for a Stanley Cup Final. It was a moment that lives in Blackhawks fame and the 40-year-old defenseman's head.
On June 9, 2010, Patrick Kane beat Timonen, then of the Flyers, with a nifty deke, then put a puck past Philadelphia goaltender Michael Leighton to give Chicago the Stanley Cup. In part, Timonen returned for one last NHL season with the hopes of a second chance to win a championship.
In Wednesday evening's Game 4 against Tampa Bay at the United Center, Timonen will be back on the ice, this time as a members of the Blackhawks.
"I'm really excited," Timonen said. "I'm obviously going to trust my experience and instincts, try to help the team as good as I can."
Timonen was benched for Game 6 of the Western Conference Final and hasn't played since. He was acquired before the trade deadline in February, and Chicago surrendered a second-round pick in 2015 and a conditional pick for 2016 that became a second-round selection.
While Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville didn't confirm whose place Timonen takes, it's likely to be David Rundblad, with rookie defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk staying in the lineup to make his second postseason start after solid play in Monday's loss.
Prior to Game 3 against the Lightning, Timonen voiced his frustration for the lack of playing time. He spent an offseason recovering from a blood clot on his leg and lungs with the hopes of reaching this point. Now, he's getting a chance to play.
"He's been waiting for this moment," Quenneville said. "I commend him in a tough spot of how he's handled it."
Quenneville's other lineup change in Wednesday's morning skate came on the second line, with Kris Versteeg skating on the left wing in place of Bryan Bickell.
Game 1 and 2 of the Cup Final saw Versteeg playing for Bickell, who was battling vertigo. Now, it's Quenneville's call to bring Versteeg back in the lineup.
"He gives us a threat offensively, defensively aware, strength in the puck area," Quenneville said of Versteeg. "He can make some plays. I think he can add to some of our offense."
Chicago faces a 2-1 deficit to Tampa Bay in this Stanley Cup Final. Under Quenneville, the Blackhawks are 40-14 during Game 4 through 7 of a playoff series.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.