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Feel so awful for Henrik. The team in front of him can never get it done. Ever.

Bolts would not have too much trouble with the Hawks. Crawford is terrible. Bolts would eat him alive.

Pray the Ducks win tomorrow because the Blackhawks will slaughter the Lightning.

I understand shouting at the TV in the privacy of your home when a player doesn't perform. Anything goes. I understand ranting among friends in a private setting when a player doesn't perform. Anything goes. Taking the time to compose and post a message calling a player a "homosexual" on a message board where strangers, children, and quite possibly actual homosexuals can visit is oafish and dull. Use your adult words. Act like a decent human being. Slurs are best left to middle school boys who think using "naughty" words makes them cool.

Kipwinger - This is a hockey website, where people talk about hockey. If Johan Franzen isn't doing his job, the hockey fans on this hockey website may use hockey language to express themselves. It may be vulgar - but its nothing personal. Although it may look hypocritical, you can't fault the fans for eventually supporting him (on a personal level) considering what's currently happening to athletes who suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Franzen's situation is more important than hockey, and I think the people who realize that have changed tune quite a bit. That being said - if the doctors say Franzen can go, its ultimately his decision to return to the ice. If he does, people maintain the right to criticize him if he isn't playing well. That's what $43,500,000 gets you.

lol Kipwinger... I played college hockey and all of the things you mentioned are called chirps. They happen every game to almost every player in every stadium. No-one is immune to it and none of it should be taken as personal insult - and it almost never is. I have been called much worse on the ice than whatever Johan Franzen has been called in this thread, by some people who I actually call friends today. I'm not saying its classy, but I don't think the fans on this site are truly questioning his sexuality, mental health, or criminality, The reason I made the comment is because people (unfortunately) tend to use those same expressions in these forums (probably not in good taste) out of frustration when he isn't producing.. I cant count how many times I've screamed at my TV with a lot worse to say about Franzen than what you just mentioned, because his struggles always come down to effort - and this is hockey for f*** sake. If he wasn't capable of so much more - people wouldn't be as harsh on him. Sorry, if 6'3 - 222 LB Johan Franzen played with even half the intensity as a Justin Abdelkader, Darren Helm, or Luke Glendenning (players who are all more effective with a fraction of the skillset) people wouldn't be so harsh on him. If people were calling him a homosexual (as you say) after he scored a hat-trick and actually plays with some heart - I would have a much different opinion.

Lundqvist save on Stamkos this weeks challenger: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=754173&navid=DL|NHL|home

Well then. 1/2 of NHL ratings hell is set.

Same. He was pissed. Probably mostly at himself, but your def right. He does all he can, and they just can't get it done for him when it counts. I dunno if he ever thinks of moving on and trying to get a cup elsewhere, but he's got 5 or so years left in NY, and doubt the Rags would move him anyways.

I love the handshake line - I think it's one of the very cool things that makes hockey special, but for some reason I'm sitting here wishing someone would throw an elbow.

Only good thing about Bolts winning instead of Rags is seeing them score a buttload of goals on that poser Crawford. Other storyline would have been Hawks scorers vs King Henrik

Nope on my phone it doesn't show up. Pulled it up on my computer though. I like petrs save better solely cause it was a blind stick save in the middle of the net

Nah. Filppula wins it in the 5th overtime with a one-timer from the slot.

Still going with 7-6 Tampa.. gunna be a crazy third period.

You have to scroll down on the page. The videos are farther down.

Mantha!

Rags are playing too timid. Better come out harder next period. Tampa is not this good. Hit them and get some shots on Bishop!!

What a feed by Larkin! Ouellet PP Goal... 1-0 Griffs!

So because he doesn't play up to his potential we should all expect, and participate, in the pejorative speculation about his sexuality, mental health issues, and criminality? He's been accused of everything from being a homosexual to intentionally defrauding the Wings by faking the severity of his injury. It's over the top. And the fact that he's "polarizing" is no excuse. Wings fans LOVE to go on and on about how classy they are. And how loutish and ignorant other teams' fans are. But in the case of Johan Franzen, quite a lot of Wings fans have been completely and totally trashy.

His leadership probably wouldn't a bad thing in our locker room either, he learned from some hall of famers himself.

He occasionally was used on the PK. But not regularly. He scored 22 points in 33 games last year prior to his injury. He's a useful player. No doubt.

Godtrra - Mothra - Mechagodtrra

Pulkkinen-Larkin-Godtrra

Larkkinen

I see the Hawks letting Sharp walk and/or trading Hossa before anything happening with Seabrook. They have young players who can fill wing rolls. Not so much at D.