The entire NHL world expected the Philadelphia Flyers to feel the loss of defenseman Kimmo Timonen this season after it was revealed in Sep. that the veteran defender was suffering from blood clots and would be "out for months."
No one, though, could have foreseen the absolute mess that has become the Flyers season: they're fifth in the Metro, tied for tenth in the East and had to bite and claw just to grab a shootout victory over the hapless Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday night.
While the season is nearing the point of no return, the Flyers, whose "never say die" attitude means they'll fight until the end - conventional logic and reality be damned - could soon be seeing the return of Timonen.
Flyers GM Ron Hextall seemed "more upbeat than at any time since it was announced that the veteran defenseman had blood clots" when discussing his status on Wednesday, according to a recent report from Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"Things are moving along," Hextall said. "...There's a process.... with a number of things, getting doctors together, and trainers, and Kimmo. There's a lot of different avenues we have to explore here and dot all the i's and cross all the t's. It's gone a little slower than I maybe would have hoped. He's still on (a blood-thinner) medication for a few more days, so there's a little bit of time."
Hextall even went so far as to discuss the potential cap implications and the possibility of a move if Timonen were to return to the lineup, though he did admit that the Flyers place in the standings will affect whether or not the team allows the blueliner to return.
The Flyers already poor defensive corps has been forced to deal with a number of injuries this season, increasing its already impressive ineffectiveness, something that could certainly be contributing to goaltender Steve Mason's great, if not stellar, numbers and constant injuries.
But it could also be the organization's handling of Mason that's causing him to suffer setbacks.
In the victory over the Coyotes Tuesday, Mason was pressed into duty by coach Craig Berube after only five-plus minutes and two quick goals on back-up, Ray Emery.
Mason hadn't practiced for 17 days prior to the game and hadn't played since suffering a lower-body injury against the Boston Bruins on Jan. 10. He's dealt with a variety of afflictions recently, including back spasms and the flu.
"He came in today and said he was ready to back up," Berube said, according to Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News. "If he's ready to back up, I'm going to have him dress."
The question then, is why didn't he start?
"I wasn't really too sure about starting 'Mase,' " Berube said. "Not in that situation. Not enough practice time. Ray was off for 4 or 5 days, too, but he finished off playing a game and playing well."
Mason is the team's best goaltender, as evidenced by his performance in relief of Emery - 22 saves on 23 shots, three saves in the shootout - and overall numbers - .921 save percentage, sixth-best in the league - but with the team falling farther out of contention and with Emery and feel-good story Rob Zepp in the building for the game last night why was Mason brought in off the bench to play when Berube was wary of starting him in the first place?
Questioned after the game, Mason did his best to tow the company line and make it clear he believed the Flyers did right by him, but, when pressed, he "froze" and deferred.
"Talk to [general manager Ron Hextall] or [trainer] Jimmy McCrossin," Mason said. "I don't want to comment more than that."
