Red Wings Beat Avalanche, 4-3

Forward Johan Franzen scores twice for Detroit; Wings take a 1-0 series lead

By Jamie Buss, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 25, 2008 12:25 AM CDT

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Red Wings Beat Avalanche, 4-3 — Detroit Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood (30) deflects a shot from Colorado Avalanche winger Paul Stastny, left, during the first period of Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinal hockey playoffs in Detroit, Thursday, April 24, 2008. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Johan Franzen's name is not at the top of scouting reports for Detroit Red Wings' opponents. It might be now. The second-line wing from Sweden scored two goals and had an assist to help the Red Wings build a three-goal cushion, and they held on to beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 in Game 1 of their NHL second-round playoffs series last night.

"Their top line is dangerous, but he's the next guy you have to worry about," Colorado coach Joel Quenneville said. "He's got skill and he's a big power forward." The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Franzen scored his second goal early in the second period to put Detroit ahead 4-1. It was the first time he had scores twice in a playoff game. (Read more NHL stories.)