This is no big surprise: Kimmo Timonen is slated to start on Finland's top defensive pairing tomorrow, alongside Vancouver's Sami Salo. Former Flyers Joni Pitkänen and Lasse Kukkonen will be the second pairing. Pitkänen and Kukkonen have known each other since childhood and were teammates throughout their early careers with Kärpät Oulu, as well as defensive partners with the Flyers during the 2006-07 season.

Lasse has had a fine season in the KHL for Avangard Omsk. The league does not keep blocked shots as a stat category but he's arguably the most proficient defenseman in the league in that area. He also has six goals, 34 points and a +11 rating. Although he was strictly a defensive defenseman with the Flyers, he usually takes on added offensive responsibilities in European leagues.

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