Flyers D Timonen back in lineup

Jan 17, 2009 - 12:49 AM SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen returned to the lineup for Friday's contest against the Florida Panthers.

Timonen required 25 stitches after he was hit in the face with a puck in Thursday's 4-1 loss at Tampa Bay.

At 10:10 of the opening session, Flyers captain Mike Richards' shot from the high slot deflected off a stick and caught Timonen, who was bleeding profusely from his upper lip. He headed to the locker room and did not return.

The 33-year-old Timonen, who has recorded three goals and 25 assists in 43 games this season, said he did not suffer a concussion.

"There isn't any bone or tooth damage," he said. "I just got 25 stitches - inside, outside, everywhere. That's it."