I'm consistently baffled by people (looking at you, Captain Robert) who think Franzen is an incredible player who is taking nights off. He's got scoring touch and a good drive to the net.
The idea that he's good enough to coast some games but "turn it on" to score 30 goals is wild. Particularly when he's been fighting injury most seasons. So he's so talented, he can tank games, but decide when to play great, score a bunch of goals, all while being injured or threat of injury looms.
There are players that can do that. I've listed them before. There's no way I'd ever put Franzen in that group of elite talent that can half-ass their way to being a top 30 goal scorer year in, year out.
I don't care that he has scoring inconsistency. I care that when he's not scoring, he's floating. He doesn't work hard enough. He gives the puck away too often and he doesn't fight hard enough to get the puck back. He doesn't pass well and use his linemates well. He's a *****cat for someone with his size/weight.
The other problem isn't just inconsistent. Goal scorers are streaky. But the last couple years, Franzen has had enormous dry spells -- especially in the second half.
It's worth noting that Franzen's playoff production has declined quite a bit.
In 08, he was "unconscious". Scoring 13 goals in 16 games (and having to sit out in the middle of his streak because of concussion.
In 09, he scored 12 goals in 23 games.
in 10, he scored six goals in 12 games
in 11, he scored two goals in eight games
in 12, he scored one goal in five games.
I started criticizing Franzen in 10, when he put up the worst 1.5 PPG performance in the history of mankind. His defense was directly responsible for goals against. He scored 4 of his six goals in one game, IIRC., And otherwise he scored lots of secondary assists.
