Flyers D Hatcher to return Wednesday

Nov 28, 2007 - 10:04 PM RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher will return to the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Hatcher, 35, has been sidelined since October 27 after suffering a right knee injury in Philadelphia's 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins.

His presence has been missed, according to Flyers coach John Stevens.

"Hatcher has such great composure in his game, there's no panic," Stevens said. "He uses his body well, protects the puck, makes good plays and he communicates really well."

The 6-5, 235-pound Hatcher has appeared in nine games this season, recording two assists, two penalty minutes and a plus-7 rating.

Fellow blue-liner Kimmo Timonen, who suffered a lower body injury during Monday's 6-3 loss to the Bruins, will also return to the lineup on Wednesday.