Philadelphia, PA (Best E Casino) - Philadelphia defenseman Kimmo Timonen will miss at least the Eastern Conference finals after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his left ankle.

Timonen blocked a shot during Game 4 of the club's semifinal series against the Montreal Canadiens, and played through pain in the clinching Game 5 last Saturday.

An MRI taken Wednesday revealed no damage, but a vascular surgeon at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania found the clot during an examination on Thursday. Timonen will be placed on blood thinners to try and dislodge the clot, and his return for the series is in doubt.

The 32-year-old Finn recorded six assists in 12 postseason games.

The Flyers open their conference final against the Penguins on Friday at Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh.