Quinn & Bowman praise Timonen

The Edmonton Oilers coach Pat Quinn has nothing but praise for Kimmo Timonen.

"Kimmo Timonen is as valuable for his team as Chris Pronger", he says. "His passing and playmaking abilities are excellent. He's just a terrific playmaker, who can play big minutes every game."

"But that he can defend so well as a smaller player and always position himself right is what is especially great about him. As a former defenseman myself I'm very impressed by the way he plays."

The Chicago Blackhawks advisor Scotty Bowman compares Timonen to Nicklas Lidström.

"Kimmo Timonen and Nicklas Lidström are very similar. They're both very intelligent players. I like Timonen's style to play on the blue line. That's where he's at his best. A smart player like him shoots and passes at the right times, doesn't lose the puck and doesn't shoot straight at the shot blockers."

"I also like his style to play aggressive just enough. I liked his style already when he played in Nashville."

"It was a very valuable signing for the Flyers when they got him."