Red Wings' Franzen expected to miss Game Five

May 15, 2008 - 12:57 PM
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DETROIT (Ticker) -- The news is getting better for Johan Franzen.  But the Detroit Red Wings are not ready to let thecenter back on the ice.Franzen, the leading goal scorer in the postseason with 12, wascleared to begin light workouts, the Detroit Free Press reportedon its web site Thursday.However, it is unknown when Franzen will be able to return togame action.Franzen has missed the last three games of the Red Wings'Western Conference finals series with the Dallas Stars due toconcussion-like symptoms.The Stars avoided being swept with a 3-1 victory at home onWednesday.  Game Five is back in Detroit on Saturday.Forced not to exercise for a few days after complaining ofrecurring headaches, Franzen was cleared to maintain hisconditioning on Wednesday."He's been given the green light to go ahead and work out,"general manager Ken Holland told the Free Press.  "Not full out,but he can ride a bike and start doing some things, so that'sgood news."With teammates keeping in touch with him while they are on theroad, Franzen has expressed his displeasure with being held out."I've talked to him last two days," defenseman Niklas Kronwalltold the Free Press.  "I think he's a little frustrated that hecan't be with the team, but he's been feeling a little bitbetter."Prior to being forced out of the lineup, Franzen had beenperhaps the biggest surprise of the playoffs.  He recorded apair of hat tricks in Detroit's sweep of the Colorado Avalanchein the conference semifinals, becoming the first player toaccomplish that feat since Edmonton's Jari Kurri did it againstChicago in 1985.Franzen already has broken Gordie Howe's franchise mark for mostgoals in one playoff season.  Since March 2, the Swede hasscored 27 goals in his last 27 games.




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