Johan Franzen has scored seven goals in his past seven games for the Detroit Red Wings. "It's great to see the Mule dialed in and playing real well for us," Babcock said of Franzen. "He's a huge man with great hands. He's become a leader on this team. He's really emerged that way this year. That's positive for all of us."

Johan Franzen had a goal and an assist after originally being questionable with an undisclosed injury. Franzen has 14 goals and 31 points in 40 games this season. He's never recorded more than 59 points in a single season, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him make a run at that mark in 2013-14 if he can stay healthy.

Johan Franzen expects to play against Nashville, so we'll list him as active for Thursday night's tilt. He didn't play in the last few minutes of Wednesday's 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings due to an undisclosed in injury but he downplayed it as "a little rest." Franzen, who has been red hot this month with six goals and five assists in his last 11 games, said, "No need to play those last minutes. I thought I'd get off and use the rest. That's it." He's a tough customer and Detroit is battling for a playoff spot, so it shouldn't be surprising that he's projected to play.

Johan Franzen (undisclosed) will be re-evaluated Thursday. Franzen missed several shifts late in Wednesday's 3-1 win against Los Angeles. Before he suffered the injury, Franzen scored his 13th goal of the season.

Johan Franzen suffered an undisclosed injury Wednesday night. Franzen, who played 18:16, had a power play goal in the 3-1 win. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock doesn't know the veteran's status for Thursday right now.

Johan Franzen gave the Detroit Red Wings a chance to win in an eventual 3-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. Franzen scored a goal in his game, giving him 10 on the season and a three-game tally streak. He now has 26 points in 36 contests this season.

Johan Franzen has accumulated seven points in his last seven games. He has scored a goal in each of his past two outings after going seven matches without finding the back of the net. Franzen appears to be heating up when the Red Wings need him the most. The Wings are clinging to the last playoff spot in the Western Conference, while trying to fend off Columbus and Dallas.

Johan Franzen potted a goal in Detroit's 3-2 shootout loss to Chicago Friday night. With the marker tonight, the big, talented and injury-prone forward now has 24 points in 34 games in this 48-game shortened season. "The Mule" has been in a bit of a slump in 2013 but he can explode at any moment. As long as he's healthy, he's worth a spot in your starting lineup.

Johan Franzen registered two assists in the Red Wings' 3-2 win over the Avalanche Monday night. The big, talented and injury-prone forward now has 20 points in 29 games in this 48-game shortened season. The Mule has been in a bit of a slump this season but he can explode at any moment. As long as he's healthy, he's worth a spot in your starting lineup.

Johan Franzen was able to play on Sunday despite a lower-body injury. He suffered something on Thursday, but apparently it wasn't that big of a problem. "The Mule" has a history of irksome issues like these.