Franzenstein

[Echolalia 2,961]

So the more I watch Franzen the more I think of Bertuzzi (or hopefully in a couple years, at least). He's a big body (although I still think he's learning how to use it), definitely capable of being a "power-forward", and he's more finesse than I think anyone expected. He's developed a scoring touch thats almost been around for too long to be considered a "streak", and at 28 he has yet to hit his prime.

Maybe I'm just a little too optimistic about Franzen, but all the pieces seem to be there, at least. What do you guys think? Maybe I'm just too tired. I dunno. Sway me.

[Cicada 4]

he's got all the tools

[rick zombo 3,739]

The only thing that was separating Franzen from being a Power Forward was a few goals.

Now that he has those, the only thing separating him from being a Power Forward is a bit of nastiness.

If he can balance the two, he's off to the races.

[ben_usmc 253]

can you develop nastiness though? I mean I'm not really sold on Franzen I think..... no just f'in with you someone always has to ***** about a player. Yeah he is awesome

[Aki 0]

I'm really impressed at how he's been playing lately. I remember how he was our 1st round pick a few years back, and people here on this board were upset how the Wings picked a no-name player... well it seems like everything is working out nicely

[Third Man In 2,091]

I don't think Franzen will quite be what Bert was in his prime (although that's not a bad thing in all respects). But if he can perform consistently, then as Cicada says, he's got all the tools to be very, very good.

His two goals in game one were very different--a booming low hard shot and a deft deflection. That impressed me.

[Bannedforlife 403]

I'm really impressed at how he's been playing lately. I remember how he was our 1st round pick a few years back, and people here on this board were upset how the Wings picked a no-name player... well it seems like everything is working out nicely

Franzen was our 3rd round pick in 2004, 97th overall.

[RedWings 79]

Consistency..

He did a great playoff game... now let's see if he is still somebody in the next ones

[Guest LivingtheDream]

He's got his own things going including his newly found Holmstrom-esque in front of the net play combined with great hands, a good shot and playing with a lot of pressure. He's smart more than physical, but physical enough, I think, to really contribute as he has been lately. Of all the non stars on the team, he is playing the best.

[Sergeiwasmyfav 0]

Consistency..

He did a great playoff game... now let's see if he is still somebody in the next ones

I think Franzen has been showing consistency for at least a couple of months now. He had a great second half of the season, especially in March, and it carried over into the playoffs. He was solid in the first round, and had a great start to the second. I think he is proving his consistency goes beyond just one playoff game, but I agree with you in the sense that I hope he keeps it up. I just think it should be pointed out that he has been consistent for a while now, and what people are praising is far more than just one playoff game.

[Jasper84 333]

He's quickly becoming one of my favorite players. He's doing an awesome job out there, hopefully he'll stay consistent.

[Shaman 713]

He is a great player, definitely turning into a good 2nd liner. I hope the wings can keep developing him into what he can be.

[Marck13 3]

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:thumbup:

[Opie 308]

Listen I hate announcers especially Pierre as much as the rest of you, but I have to give credit where credit is due.

In the first round after Mule scored his first I believe it was Pierre said This is the most underrated player in the post season!!!!

Hey even the sun... dog's ass... Blah blah right!

[Aussie_Wing 354]

4 months ago I was ready to trade him. Now he's one of the most important guys in our team. I can't believe the turnaround. He is a machine out there who's setting up plays, scoring, hitting and playing terrific defence. He does it all.

[superstarsingh 23]

He is a solid hockey player. Big, strong, nose for the net, wins battles, can play all three positions up front. We have another gem if you will.

[#96 16]

All he needs to do is sacrifice his body and take out as many of those "Avacrappers" as he can.

[datsyukonethree 0]

Franzen is a beast, and I love how he ramps it up in the playoffs. I think his injury at the start of the season really threw him off, so once again I'm expecting him to take a big leap over the course of the next season.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Franzen was our 3rd round pick in 2004, 97th overall.

I think what he meant was that he was OUR first pick in '04.

Haha and I remember that draft day well. This board was bitching like CRAZY about how Holland and co. had picked the oldest guy in the bunch, how Franzen was probably a soft Euro even though he was 6'3, how theres a reason he was the oldest guy in the draft, off with Holland's head, etc.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Consistency..

He did a great playoff game... now let's see if he is still somebody in the next ones

I hope youre not implying Game 1 was his first good game. He has 6 points in 7 games and some huge goals to boot.

[hak 21]

anyone want to join me in a pre-game keep-up-the-good-work-cheer for franzen? :beerbuddy:

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Not tough enough. But that can be fixed, put him in boxing lessons with Downey and McCarty.

[Wingman 0]

From the ESPN game 2 preview:

"He's also become a popular player in the dressing room, where he displays his subtle humor and willingness to accept being referred to as the offspring of a donkey and a horse.

"At first, he didn't know what (mule) meant and didn't know if it was a good or a bad thing," said Niklas Kronwall, Franzen's roommate on the road. "Once he found out what it meant, he was proud of it.""

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/preview?gameId=280426005

[Reds4Life 51]

From the ESPN game 2 preview:

"He's also become a popular player in the dressing room, where he displays his subtle humor and willingness to accept being referred to as the offspring of a donkey and a horse.

"At first, he didn't know what (mule) meant and didn't know if it was a good or a bad thing," said Niklas Kronwall, Franzen's roommate on the road. "Once he found out what it meant, he was proud of it.""

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/preview?gameId=280426005

haha that's awesome. I really like Mule

[Opie 308]

We could be watching the birth of a star!!!