Kimmo Timonen's impending arrival in Chicago is further proof of an idea that should no longer be in doubt.
For a few select teams—one of them being the Blackhawks—the regular season doesn't really matter.
Don't misunderstand: By acquiring Timonen from the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night in exchange for a 2015 second-round pick and a conditional pick in 2016 that could be anything between a second and a fourth, the Blackhawks are a better team. They're still in contention for second place in the Central and home-ice in the first round.
But this trade is about the postseason more than anything. That has to be the case when a team trades for a soon-to-be 40-year-old defenseman that hasn't played in 10 months while recovering from complications resulting from blood clots. Timonen will not only have to shake off the standard rust that comes from such a long layoff, he will have to adjust to a new organization, new teammates and a new system.
The final 19 games of the regular season will serve as a training camp/crash course for Timonen, who even at his advanced age will provide a boost for a sagging ...
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Article written by Dave Lozo
How Kimmo Timonen Will Make an Impact on the Chicago Blackhawks
February 27th, 2015 by Dave Lozo Leave a reply »
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