Penguins in six

Up until Thursday, when I learned that Philadelphia defenseman Kimmo Timonen would miss the Eastern Conference finals against Pittsburgh, I was holding out faint hope that the blue-collar Flyers would solve the high-flying Penguins. Now, I'm not so sure.

For most, it's been Danny Briere and Martin Biron who have made the most visible difference for Philadelphia. Briere was won back the Flyers' fickle fans. Biron's play, in two words, is simply remarkable.

In my book, though, Timonen has been the key. He brought an increased level of offensive talent, as well as a quiet confidence, to the Flyers' blueline. Unfortunately, a blood clot in his left foot has him on the sidelines.

Not to take anything away from the Penguins' star power -- with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marian Hossa, Sergei Gonchar and Marc-Andre Fleury -- but Timonen's absence will be enough of a difference.

Pittsburgh wins in six.