Johan Franzen returns tonight

Johan Franzen is expected to make his return to the lineup tonight for the Detroit Red Wings, who conclude a five-game road trip versus the St. Louis Blues at Scottrade Center.

Watch the game live on TSN and TSN HD tonight at 8pm et/5pm pt.

Franzen has been out since suffering a torn left ACL back on October 8. He had a goal and an assist in three games before the injury after notching 34 goals and 59 points in 71 regular-season games last year. He added another 23 points in the postseason and should help a Red Wings offence that is netting just 2.52 goals per game.

“I’m really excited,” Franzen told Detroit’s Web site. “I had a good practice [Monday], and this was my first practice actually being in a line, so it was more fun. Hopefully with a good first game I can get some confidence, and hopefully feel good in the other games, too.”

Though Franzen is expected to return tonight, the Red Wings will likely be without three of its top players versus the Blues. Niklas Kronwall will sit out tonight’s game to rest his left knee, while Tomas Holmstrom (knee) and Patrick Eaves (ankle) are both doubtful after suffering injuries in Detroit’s 4-3 setback to Los Angeles on Saturday.

Full game story here