Detroit Free Press (Helene St. James):
I just spoke with Red Wings general manager Ken Holland, and he told me Johan Franzen will play this week.
Franzen was cleared Saturday to engage in full-contact practices, and is doing so right now. Today is his first full practice in over two weeks.
“He’ll practice today and tomorrow morning, and then we’ll see,” Holland said. “He’s going to play sometime this week.”Franzen said “I’m ready to go. I’m going to see a doctor tomorrow, and get more tests, and then we’ll see.”
If Franzen passes this last round of tests, he’ll play tomorrow when the Wings take a 1-0 lead into Game 2 of the Stanley Cup finals against Pittsburgh.Franzen hasn’t played since Game 1 of round three, when he was sidelined by pesistent headaches.
Detroit News:
(http://info.detnews.com/redesign/blogs/wingsblog/index.cfm?blogid=1611)
Posted by Ted Kulfan on Sun, May 25, 2008 at 1:40 PM
Franzen update from Sunday
It really looks like Franzen will be in the line up tomorrow. I’d be a little surprised at this point if it doesn’t happen. Franzen, who has been bothered with concussion-like symptoms, practiced again Sunday, will do so again during Monday’s morning day skate, and could be back in the line up Monday in Game 2. He’s looked good skating the last few days. “We’ll make a decision tomorrow,” said Franzen, who went through the entire work out Sunday, although he didn’t make any physical contact. “I was hoping to get hit, but didn’t get any. I was hoping Mac (Darren McCarty) would hit me. “It’s better, I don’t feel anything anymore. It’s good. There will be so much adrenaline, it doesn’t matter what shape you’re in.” Franzen hasn’t played since persistent headaches forced him out of the line up before Game 2 against Dallas in the Western Conference Finals. Franzen’s 12 goals ties him with Henrik Zetterberg atop the playoff leaders this spring. “He practiced today and again tomorrow,” coach Mike Babcock said. “He’s been cleared to do everything. One of these days he’ll be cleared to play.”