Detroit Red Wings’ Johan Franzen leaves game with a head injury
Johan Franzen is known as one of the hardest-working players on the Detroit Red Wings’ roster. The man affectionately known as 'The Mule' has been known to score clutch goals whenever
his team needs them, and he seldom takes a shift off.
But during the Red Wings’ game against the Dallas Stars on Thursday, October 14, the Swede took a hit to the head from Stars defenceman Mark Fistric, knocking him to the ice.
Franzen had to be helped back to Detroit’s bench by his team-mates, and he did not return to the game. Post-game, Franzen said that he had suffered a concussion, but head coach Mike Babcock
disagreed with the centre’s self-assessment, with, "I wouldn't use that word (to describe the injury).”
Franzen followed up by stating that the injury was “...not too bad”, and that he felt “...okay right now.”
Since joining the Red Wings in the 2005-06 season, Franzen has quickly evolved into a key impact player for the team. He stands 6ft 3in, and uses his size to his advantage when on the
ice. His now-famous nickname, 'The Mule', was originated by former Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman, who likened Franzen to a mule because of his hard work and dedication to the game.
Franzen, who is one of several Swedes on Detroit’s roster, has broken or established several records during his time with the Wings. He currently holds the National Hockey League record
for most goals in a four-game playoff series with nine, in addition to several team-based records. He has scored 93 goals and 71 assists for 164 points in 319 games in the NHL.
It is unclear at this point whether or not Franzen will miss any action as a result of the injury. If there are no further issues, he may be able to return to play in the Red Wings’ next
game against the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday, October 16.
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