Detroit Red Wings

Ansar Khan, mlive...

OTTAWA ? The last time Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Franzen got hit in the face he missed 22 of the next 23 games with a concussion.

So when Ottawa Senators tough guy Chris Neil ripped off Franzen?s helmet in a fit of rage and began roughing him up during the third period Thursday, the results could have been disastrous for a player the Red Wings desperately need in their playoff push.

But Franzen, who notched his third career hat trick in a 6-1 victory at the Canadian Tire Centre, emerged unscathed -- and then took a few shots of his own.

?He usually shows up when the game?s over and tries to be the hero, puts his cape on and goes and flies out there,? Franzen said of Neil. ?He doesn?t like to take heat from fans and coaches, I think. He usually steps up when the game is over and shows everyone that he really fights hard.?

Franzen was laughing at Neil when he was trying to engage him in a fight. Franzen said he doesn?t know what set off Neil, though it typically doesn?t take much. Neil was penalized for roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct. Both received 10 minute misconducts, ending their night.

 

Feb 26 @MON 7:30 PM......W/OT 2-1 (27-20-12) #2 Wildcard
Feb 27 @OTT 7:30 PM.......W 6-1 (28-20-12) #2 Wildcard
Mar 4 @NJ 7:00 PM
Mar 6 COL 7:30 PM
Mar 7 NJ 7:30 PM
Mar 9 @NYR 7:30 PM
Mar 11 @CLB 7:00 PM
Mar 14 EDM 7:30 PM
Mar 16 @CHI 7:30 PM
Mar 18 TOR 7:30 PM
Mar 20 PIT 7:30 PM
Mar 22 @MIN 2:00 PM
Mar 23 MIN 7:30 PM

 

That's funny what Franzen said. I think hes dead on too. Neil is a douche. Nice to see Franzen getting hot

 

Mike Halford, PHT...

 

when i look for inspiration about respect, the first guy i think of is chris neil.

*CRAZY*

 

Exactly. What did he expect Franzen to do anyway.

 

Have there been any rumblings of a suspension for Neil for putting Franzen's head into the glass? I haven't seen any.

 

I couldnt find anything this morning on that...I kinda doubt it myself. For a second, I wish one of the Wings would have punched Neil in the face.

 

Wings didnt get any help today. Things just got a whole lot tighter.

 

nice exaggeration there Chris, Franzen is 6'2 220 so your giving up an inch in height and a whole 5 lbs. nice try you crybaby. Wings havent had a player that size since Hatcher was here. this guy is such an ass. Unfortunately the Wings have no deterrent so Chris has carte blanche like every other team does with the Wings - but hey we recalled Emmerton *WALL*

 

Say, how 'bout trading for John Scott from the Sabres?

 

Damn...

No Datsyuk Tuesday (knee)
No Weiss, no surprise there (hernia)
No Kindl
No Cleary

Andersson to replace Datsyuk on his line.

 

Just a tid bit from the rumor mill...he would be a nice addition, but I just dont know how they could swing it.

 

Hmm, after what the Sabres got for Miller I'd say we can't afford it. But he would defintly help. He'd look good in a Wings uni

 

Cutter from the ditch part deux response:

It was part to get under your skin. You mentioned a "big splash" I believe and getting some other parts recently. I don't see it happening otherwise without trading Nyquist or Dekeyser.

Absolutely, and he may be worth keeping. Detroit has a list of needs for the roster the next 3 years to compete for a cup and Dekeyser is one of the best ways to address one of those needs right now. When you or a wings fan want a power forward, I'm going to say "trade DeKeyser". When you want Quincey replaced on the top 4 .... Depth, picks, and undeveloped prospects isn't likely going to get it done unless it's for a rental.

Detroit has a small pile of good prospects at the blueline, unfortunately, they all project somewhat similarly and even Babcock does better with a mix of talent sets. That's one of the reasons why I think moving DeKeyser is one of the best options to take the franchise up a level by adding the legitimate top 4 dman or top 6 forward.

How stupid is it if Sproul and/or Ouellet work out and/or if Smith gets back to projecting as a legitimate top 4 type? Kenny is going to have to cash somebody in if they're going to compete with the top. Sproul and Ouellet aren't worth nearly enough without being included in a package and Smith's value is down from where it was 2 years ago I think so it's probably best to keep him around and continue to let him develop.

 

I should crop lulz' avatar's hat onto Pierre.

I think Ehrhoff, Edler, and Kulikov make alot of sense of Detroit. Without any recapture liability, I'm fascinated to see what Ehrhoff fetches on the market.

 

The only young player I'd say is entirely off limits is Nyquist -- at least if things were up to me. I would entertain a trade involving Tatar, DeKeyser, Sheahan, etc. if the terms were right.

 

if we trade teletubby, i'm gonna want at least another cartoon character in return.

 

From the 'get by with a little help from my friends' file:

The Blue Jackets beat Toronto and the Kings win their 5th straight by knocking off the Canadiens. Big game tonight for the Wings, 2 pts in regulation would be just fantastic. Need another productive game from Franzen and the kids, and the Wings will be alright...for a day.