It's a good sign that he's skating again and the Wings are figuring that he'll be back for the Stanley Cup Final. For about the last 30 games, including the regular season, Franzen has been one of the most effective players in the league against the wall and in front of the net. That's right, the entire NHL. Against Pittsburgh, which has a size advantage in this Final, Franzen should have an important role. I like his mobility, and if you factor in that his presence gives the Wings three very fast and productive lines, well, it's a huge, huge intangible.
Kelly Hrudey of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada made the point the other day that the Wings are aggressive and physical up front, even though they are not an overly big team, while the Pens have a skilled but slow defensive corps. If Hrudey's analysis is accurate, it bodes well for the Red Wings -- especially if Franzen returns.
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