And if he continues to improve, he's expected to play in the finals.

good news. they definately had a drop off in 2nd line scoring without him. Babcock had to shuffle his lines a little bit the last couple games without him. I think the biggest thing is on the power play too. besides him and Homer, we have nobody that can play in front of the net effectively.

Franzen returns to practice with team

by Ansar Khan Friday May 23, 2008, 11:16 AM


Update from Friday's practice: Johan Franzen is skating with the team, as planned, but isn't practicing with his linemates and isn't close to full speed yet. The Wings have been saying he is doubtful for Game 1 Saturday, and it doesn't appear that will change.
Valtteri Filppula, who hasn't practiced much due to a sore knee, is on the ice, skating with linemates Dan Cleary and Jiri Hudler. Kris Draper is back, after his wife gave birth Thursday. He's centering a line with Mikael Samuelsson and Dallas Drake. Darren Helm is centering a line with Darren McCarty and Kirk Maltby.
On defense, it looks like Chris Chelios will be scratched for Game 1. He is skating with Derek Meech. The other combinations are the same: Lidstrom-Rafalski, Kronwall-Stuart, Lebda-Lilja.

good news. they definately had a drop off in 2nd line scoring without him. Babcock had to shuffle his lines a little bit the last couple games without him. I think the biggest thing is on the power play too. besides him and Homer, we have nobody that can play in front of the net effectively.
BRING BACK DINO!!!!