Flyers to get defensive reinforcements soon

Anyone whose watched the Flyers lately has noticed them make a few more turnovers that usual.

They’ve also no doubt seen Steve Mason and Ray Emery go down with injuries in recent weeks, hurting the Flyers’ defense even more.

But good news is on the horizon, as the Flyers expect goalie Mason and veteran Kimmo Timonen to return to action Saturday night against the Rangers.

Philly is currently hanging onto hope that they can get in the playoffs as the eighth seed in the East. They are within striking distance of the Bruins, but will need to be healthy and get a little bit lucky to compete down the stretch.

Timonen is nearly 40-years-old, and has fought back from blood clots, found this summer in his lungs, to return to playing shape.

“Every day is better, and I have to start playing games somewhere down the road,” Timonen told reporters. “If it’s Saturday, that’s good. If it’s not Saturday, then it’s next week.”

“It’s a huge, huge step for me,” he added.

To make room on the roster, Philly will likely send Carlo Colaiacovo down to the AHL.

Mason underwent minor knee surgery back on February 10.

Philly has some tough competition to end the month and start March, and they’ll certainly be happy with these two returns as the trade deadline approaches March 1. If Timonen and Mason perform, it will serve as if the team made a trade, without having to move any assets.

The Flyers return home, where they have played their best hockey this season, for a three-game homestand against a trio of contenders.

• Saturday night at 8 they host the Rangers on NBC.
• Tuesday at 7 p.m. on CSN Philly hosts the Flames.
• The Blues come to down Thursday at 7 p.m. on CSN.