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38 goals in is first 229 games?

Then 28 goals in the next 29?

There must be a reason for this...

1. Possessed by the ghost of Mike Bossy?
2. Told that if he couldn't get his career goals per game up to 0.3 gpg, he'd have to sign off every autograph with 'The Leafs will make the playoffs"?
3. Told him that if he didn't step it up, they would steal his copy of Slapshot and mail it to seabird?
4. Gave him a Pillsbury dough boy doll to hang in his locker for 'raisin' his game to another level?
5. Threatened to trade him straight-up for Jeff Finger?

Seriously, something happened. Anyone else have any ideas?
4.

Detroit Red Wings biggest problem: we have way too much talent... and yet somehow they all end up signing...

I dont know what happened to him last year. I guess we'll see which Franzen was the real one this season. Good luck to him. I think he'll resign in Motown though. He'll fit in Homer's spot when he decides to retire.

Good spot for the Wings....if the Mule has a bad year maybe they keep Hossa instead.This isnt a done deal for sure...pressure is on Franzen to produce.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:07 AM ET  09.15 by YODA

3. Told him that if he didn't step it up, they would steal his copy of Slapshot and mail it to seabird?

I only want it if it's unscratched and autographed.

Those are some pretty crazy numbers. If it wasn't hocley, I'd suggest steroids, but they don't make as much sense in this sport. Maybe he finally started getting some action at home.

Mule does a lot behind the puck so looking at goals doesn't do him justice. Obviously, there is no way to track the plays he breaks up or influences.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 10:52 AM ET  09.15 by FromTheRough

Mule does a lot behind the puck so looking at goals doesn't do him justice. Obviously, there is no way to track the plays he breaks up or influences.

Oops. I meant to say he does a lot away from the puck.

Seriously, something happened. Anyone else have any ideas?
------------------
I think its called confidence and momentum.
Plus being a mule, they are a little stubborn, but once they learn something, they will be a workhorse...ok...forgive the analogy.
I think he is for real. He proved that in the playoffs.
I expect a good year from him. Especially with his contract coming up. Who knows, maybe that realization hit him at the tail end of last season. Mules don't keep very good track of these details you know.

QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 09:31 AM ET  09.15 by seabird56

I only want it if it's unscratched and autographed.

If it has anything to do with Slapshot. You can bet your bottom dollar its going to be scratched!
WHAP!...and you know why!

He was finally able to get used to and use his new number (93) to it's full potential? Looking back now, he did not look good in #39. Honestly, the Wings structure of letting players progress before they are brought over to the team is one thing, and then all of the injuries during the season gave him extra ice time. He used that extra time to his advantage and gained confidence.

Baun-ded, "tail end", was that another analogy? See there, I used the word "analogy" as a pun there. Tail end, ****-ogy, get it? Huh? Oh never mind.

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 11:52 AM ET  09.15 by santapig

Baun-ded, "tail end", was that another analogy? See there, I used the word "analogy" as a pun there. Tail end, ****-ogy, get it? Huh? Oh never mind.

Yes, I noticed. Your sharp as a tack today Santa. And I will "end" this by saying that your "Analogy"( )) is RIGHT ON the "Ball two.."

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:07 AM ET  09.15 by YODA

38 goals in is first 229 games?Then 28 goals in the next 29?There must be a reason for this...1. Possessed by the ghost of Mike Bossy?2. Told that if he couldn't get his career goals per game up to 0.3 gpg, he'd have to sign off every autograph with 'The Leafs will make the playoffs"?3. Told him that if he didn't step it up, they would steal his copy of Slapshot and mail it to seabird?4. Gave him a Pillsbury dough boy doll to hang in his locker for 'raisin' his game to another level?5. Threatened to trade him straight-up for Jeff Finger?Seriously, something happened. Anyone else have any ideas?4.

He's a good sleeper pick in a Fantsay NHL League this season.

The thing about The Mule was that, if you watched him all season like I did, you would have noticed a significant change in the way he approached plays. at the beginning of the season he would back off and look to pass when he had the puck, if he decided to carry it at all. When a few pucks started hitting the back of the net he gained so much more confidence, and would take defenders one on one. He has tremendous skills for a big man, and is just another example of the Red Wings' outstanding ability to find players in the draft.

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:15 AM ET  09.15 by biminator

Detroit Red Wings biggest problem: we have way too much talent... and yet somehow they all end up signing...

Thus far, that's been true. But, Zetterberg is looking at at least 5 mil more a year. With another good year, Franzen will probably command somthing in the 4-5 mil/year range, a raise of 3-4 mil. Samuelsson and Hudler will also be looking for raises. And then there's the Hossa situation and back up goalie situation. It will be interesting to see how they handle it.

pencil him in for 35 Goals this year, Yes the rich get richer, don't hate the Wings cause their beautiful!

QUOTE(#15):

Originally posted 04:36 PM ET  09.15 by LGP On the Offensive

Thus far, that's been true. But, Zetterberg is looking at at least 5 mil more a year. With another good year, Franzen will probably command somthing in the 4-5 mil/year range, a raise of 3-4 mil. Samuelsson and Hudler will also be looking for raises. And then there's the Hossa situation and back up goalie situation. It will be interesting to see how they handle it.

I sure hope wet rat(samuelsson) and "happy" hudler dont ask for a raise unless they step out of the shadows for more than one game once a month.

I sure hope wet rat(samuelsson) and "happy" hudler dont ask for a raise unless they step out of the shadows for more than one game once a month.

QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 02:00 PM ET  09.15 by Iggy Pop

He's a good sleeper pick in a Fantsay NHL League this season.

he was a sleeper LAST season. The guy had consecutive playoff hat-tricks...he should be on everyone's radar this time around. Now he's only a potential bust, only because it remains to be seen how fragile he is after the concussion fiasco

If the has a solid year this season, he'll be back in Detroit. Especially if he has another outstanding playoff run. I agree, this guy plays well away from the puck, too.