On the Wings

Update (7:15 PM): Via Bruce MacLeod, Johan Franzen confirms that he will not play in Game 1. - Matt

Update (3:21 PM): Bruce MacLeod has a further update on Franzen here. Johan is still doubtful for Game 1, though to Mike Babcock, he looks ready. The team still expects him to play at some point in the Finals. We’ll just have to wait and see. - Matt

Bruce MacLeod reports that Johan Franzen participated for a few shifts in the 5-on-5 battle drill with the second line (Valtteri Filppula and Dan Cleary) after starting practice with “spare parts” Aaron Downey and Mark Hartigan. He was held out of contact drills.

As MacLeod notes, the fact that he took part in the 5-on-5 drills is a good sign and could make Johan a game-time decision tomorrow. He didn’t skate full-time with the second line, but if he has no setbacks tomorrow morning, the temptation to put him in will be huge. I say get him in there as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Also, Chris Chelios practiced with Derek Meech, so he’s not likely to play in Game 1.