Johan Franzen scored his 12th goal of the season Sunday as Detroit dropped a 4-2 decision to the Avalanche. Through 25 games this season, Franzen has maintained a point-per-game pace and is on his way towards his most productive NHL season if he can remain healthy. Daniel Cleary also scored in the losing effort.

Detroit right wing Johan Franzen misses the occasional practice because of a lingering lower-body injury. But Franzen and the Red Wings don't expect him to miss any games.

Johan Franzen didn't take part in Wednesday's morning skate, but said he will play against the Calgary Flames. Coach Mike Babcock said at the time that Franzen might be a game-time decision, but the Detroit winger put the kibosh on those claims shortly afterward. Keep him active.

Johan Franzen is leading the Detroit Red Wings with 10 goals and 20 points through 19 games. Although Franzen has developed a reputation for being one of Detroit's offensive leaders in the playoffs, he's never been able to fully translate his success into the regular season. He has never reached the 35-goal or 60-point marks in a single season, but we could see that changing in 2011-12.

Johan Franzen scored a goal and added an assist in a 5-2 win over the Stars Saturday night. Franzen who recently registered a hat trick followed up with a goal and an assist. The "Mule" who typically reserves his animalistic play for the playoffs has been on fire as of late. Hopefully he can transition his strong play in the playoffs to the regular season.

Johan Franzen notched a hat trick in Detroit's 5-2 win over Colorado Tuesday night. The Mule has now recorded eight tallies for the season, with two of tonight's markers coming with the man advantage. If he can avoid the injury bug that has victimized him in recent years he can certainly approach 40 goals. Nicklas Lidstrom and Dan Cleary also scored in the Red Wings big victory.

Johan Franzen had a goal and two assists as Detroit shutout the Ducks 5-0 on Saturday. Franzen led the team with three points in the game. The total team effort was dominated by puck control and fast legs. Nicklas Lidstrom had two goals and an assist in the win. Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall both scored as well.

Star forward Johan Franzen is being hounded at the Red Wings' training camp by reporters asking about his poor finish to last season -- two goals and 14 points in 27 games. "I hate these questions," Franzen said. "I didn't even know I had that (deep of a slump)." Franzen is confident that he'll bounce back strong and had two goals in the Wings' scrimmage -- a 6-3 victory for Team Howe over Team Lindsay. Both goals were Franzen-type goals - finding open spots and using his quick release. "It's only a scrimmage but it always helps," Franzen said. "It helps the chemistry of the line." Franzen led the Red Wings with 28 goals last year and is skating with Henrik Zetterberg and Valtteri Filppula, a line that has the potential to be among the tops if Franzen returns to his old self. "It's easy to play with those guys," Franzen said. "They're strong on their skates and with the puck. They hold onto it and I try to get open."