Red Wings forward Johan Franzen expected to miss at least 3 exhibitions with thigh injury

Red Wings’ Johan Franzen to miss at least 3 games

DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings expect forward Johan Franzen to miss at least three preseason games with a thigh injury.

Franzen was hurt in a collision with Pittsburgh’s Brooks Orpik. The Penguins defenseman was given a major penalty for kneeing Franzen and knocking him from the game during the first period of Wednesday night’s preseason opener for both teams.

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock says he’s hoping the NHL fines Orpik for the hit.

Franzen will be re-evaluated on Tuesday for what the team described as a charley horse. He tore a ligament in his left knee nearly a year ago and played in just 10 regular season games. He had 18 points in 12 postseason games.