Flyers D Hatcher nets goal in return

Nov 29, 2007 - 1:38 AM RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher scored his first goal of the season in his return to the lineup Wednesday against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Stationed in front of the net, the veteran blue-liner banged a rebound past goaltender Cam Ward at 5:49 of the second period. The goal gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead.

Hatcher, 35, had been sidelined since October 27, when he suffered a right knee injury in Philadelphia's 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins.

His presence was 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 appeared in nine games this season prior to the injury, recording two assists and two penalty minutes.

Fellow defenseman Kimmo Timonen, who suffered a "lower body" injury during Monday's 6-3 loss to the Bruins, also scored in his return to the Flyers' lineup Wednesday.

Ward made the initial stop on Mike Richards' shot, but the rebound slowly trickled behind the netminder. Alertly, Mike Knuble corralled the puck but shot it wide of the net.

Timonen controlled the rebound and deposited the puck into the vacant net with 4:44 remaining in the second session to give Philadelphia a 2-0 lead.