MULE REPORT: Franzen Cleared to Practice

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Agreed. At the beginning of the season he went down with an injury for a few weeks, cant remember what it was exactley, but it took him a looooong time to get in the swing of things.

BUT, he has been playing so well since the last month of the reg. season that hopefully it wont matter much and it wont take him long to get his legs back and start scorein some more goals for us.

Dont wanna play captain obvious here, but its a lot easier to get your game back when youre overcoming HEADACHES as opposed to KNEE INJURIES. He hasnt had to make concessions in his skating or his workouts to alleviate pressure on a specific body part. Timing and Legs are all he needs to get back, and those sort of things can be rectified in a few games, rather than a few weeks when you have an actual limb injury you are contending with.

[Chase 0]

Dont wanna play captain obvious here, but its a lot easier to get your game back when youre overcoming HEADACHES as opposed to KNEE INJURIES. He hasnt had to make concessions in his skating or his workouts to alleviate pressure on a specific body part. Timing and Legs are all he needs to get back, and those sort of things can be rectified in a few games, rather than a few weeks when you have an actual limb injury you are contending with.

True, but still he has missed game time. And in the playoffs especially, it can be hard to get back in form quickly.

I'm not very worried though, I think after a game or so he should have his legs and timing back.

[drw1319 0]

this is amazing news!!!

yayy for the mule being back and yayy for cleary getting the chin guard off

soo happy!

[va Winger 0]

Havn't been on all day................GREAT NEWS !! I truly think that Thing on Clearies helmet had to affect his game..if even only psychologically.....And " The Play-off goal scoring leader

has retuned". It's Christmas in May....................bet the Pens are getting a little more interested in just what they are in for come Saturday . Someone over there is thinking "Oh s*** " !! . I Guaronteeeeeeee !

Go Wings !!

[YoungGuns1340 1]

True, but still he has missed game time. And in the playoffs especially, it can be hard to get back in form quickly.

I'm not very worried though, I think after a game or so he should have his legs and timing back.

This is true, but this is the finals - the finals for a guy that was having it all go easy for him when he went down. Hockey isnt frustrating for this guy right now. The only thing frustrating for Franzen is probably the fact that hes been without headaches for a week and has nothing else wrong with him other than a Doctors call as to when he can come back. I think Franzen is going to be raring to go when the puck drops, and we could see his timing come back even in the course of his first game back. Although I expect conditioning to be a little rough for him the first game, but it shouldnt be a problem after that.

[stud_defenseman 1]

More freaking good news: Cleary practiced without the chin guard!!!!

Cleary should just keep that damn thing on. Actually, he should wear a full cage like Robidas. Between him and Draper I don't think I've seen two players get hit in the face more. Sticks, elbows, pucks whatever. It's like Cleary has magnets in his face. Poor guy.

[10 Minute Misconduct 104]

"Based upon the news we got today, we are hopeful to see him sometime during the series, but he's doubtful for Game 1," general manager Ken Holland said Thursday afternoon. "He's not been given clearance to go a full hour, to bang around, to go full out. It's no contact. He's been given the clearance to push it, but if he does feel anything abnormal, then he's been told to back off and tell the trainers.

"He's in the process of ramping it up. How long does it take? Nobody knows. We're taking it a day at a time. He'll see a specialist on the weekend, ramp it up each day until he can play."

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...4/1053/SPORTS05

Better hurry up the "ramping it up" process.

[Pensfan 0]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...4/1053/SPORTS05

Better hurry up the "ramping it up" process.

Thanks for the report/update.

Edited May 23, 2008 by Pensfan

[interminded 1]

It would be awesome to have him ready for Game 1.

I hope the medical staff gives him the OK !

[10 Minute Misconduct 104]

Another article i just read but i lost the link to Babcock pretty much implied that he should be in after game 1.

[LidstromIsASuperhero 29]

I don't get it. Something else is going on. I'm not one of those naysayers who thinks he won't be back, but this story, coupled with the comments chelios made, added to how Holland was talking about how he thinks they should be able to keep all injuries secret all points to a strong possibility Franzen is dealing with more than a migraine. Here's to hoping he's good to go!

[XxGoWingsxX 0]

This is such good news, that after reading some of your posts, i think I started to have tears forming in the corner of my eyes......whats that? PRIDE *******!!! LoL....not even kidding bout the tears tho lol. I've been told by my coaches for 2 years now that i play similar to Franzen, and i used to think it was a stab at me, but once he started getting playing time, and confidence, i see that they saw the potential he had and it was kind of a hint hint situation...i guess i just needed to pay closer attention. I'm 25 years old, 6'4 249 lbs, and can skate just as fast as the 5'9 180 lb guys on my team. I just wish i could say i played with the heart, and HURT that he does lol.

FRANZENSTEIN RETURNS, GO WINGS

[Wingman 0]

This is such good news, that after reading some of your posts, i think I started to have tears forming in the corner of my eyes......whats that? PRIDE *******!!! LoL....not even kidding bout the tears tho lol. I've been told by my coaches for 2 years now that i play similar to Franzen, and i used to think it was a stab at me, but once he started getting playing time, and confidence, i see that they saw the potential he had and it was kind of a hint hint situation...i guess i just needed to pay closer attention. I'm 25 years old, 6'4 249 lbs, and can skate just as fast as the 5'9 180 lb guys on my team. I just wish i could say i played with the heart, and HURT that he does lol.

FRANZENSTEIN RETURNS, GO WINGS

Wow, you should give Holland a call...you'd be Mule II

Edited May 23, 2008 by Wingman

[Pensfan 0]

5'9 180 lb guys on my team.

There are players 5'9" on your team?

[XxGoWingsxX 0]

There are players 5'9" on your team?

Yeah, we have 3 guys that are a mere 5 foot 9 , and one who is 5 foot 7. Two of the 5'9 guys are centers and are 2 of the leading scorers in the league. The 3rd 5'9 guy is our goalie, and the 5'7 guy is our backup goalie. But yeah, to whoever said i should call holland..lol i wish. While i really do feel that i play alot like franzen...with alot of inensity, grit, speed, SCORING....i fear that even in the AHL i'd have my ass handed to me lol. Although, I had a chance to play with Justin Abdelkader a couple times in pickup games, and he's just a little smaller than me but i will say he man handled me up and down the ice which is something NOBODY in my league has been able to do in 4 years. I think with a bit better training, and conditioning and stuff i might be able to hang with Jabby (Justin Abdelkader's nickname) but mark my words ladies n gents...if he develops like i believe he will...HE will get lots of ice time for the wings and will turn into one HELL of a power forward. Just in case anyone is wondering....i am 239 lbs but, my body fat is less than 4 percent......i am THE biggest guy in my league...while theres a guy who stands 6'5, i outweigh him by 30 lbs, and last time i played against him, i put a hurtin on him that put hiim out for 4 games....i felt really bad because i never intend to injure anyone, and he is also my cousin lol.

[Dabura 12,207]

Babs: "I mean, I don't -- [shakes head in frustration] -- you know, he's ready to go. Just gotta get the OK."