SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Picking up a point in every game during the first round of the playoffs qualifies as a hot streak for most players.

Not Johan Franzen. He set a high standard for himself during the Detroit Red Wings' playoff runs in 2008 and '09. So when he emerged from the series against Phoenix with only one goal, it was surprising to some and alarming to others.

Many wondered why he wasn't driving to the net with authority, why he wasn't using his 6-foot-3, 222-pound frame to win more physical battles, and whether he had a setback from the torn knee ligament that idled him for the first three-quarters of the season.

Franzen acknowledged he was pressing against the Coyotes. He is hoping his second goal of the playoffs, during

in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals, gets him jump-started.

"I've had some really good chances lately, couldn't get it in the net,'' Franzen said. "I started to squeeze the stick way too hard. Hopefully, this goal will help me get going.

"When you miss a lot of chances, it just gets harder and harder. It felt good to get one and hopefully get some confidence back.''

Franzen accumulated an NHL-best 25 goals in the '08 and '09 playoffs combined. That's one more than teammate Henrik Zetterberg and Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin, the last two Conn Smythe Trophy winners as playoff MVP, each scored.

Secondary scoring from Franzen, Dan Cleary and Todd Bertuzzi will be even more vital for the Red Wings against a Sharks club that is much more potent than the Coyotes. Game 2 is Sunday at HP Pavilion.

"It's important for his confidence knowing the puck can go in for him,'' Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "He's got to continue to shoot the puck and work hard. It's important when you get guys who haven't scored to chip in and get the confidence up a little bit.''

The Sharks hope a sleeping giant didn't wake up in Game 1.

"A lot of times power forwards just bowl their way to the net and jam away, but he has a touch with the puck,'' said San Jose coach Todd McLellan, a former Red Wings assistant who worked with Franzen for three years. "He's got a point in all eight playoff games, so he's been a factor in each of the games at some point and probably will continue to be.''

Sharks defenseman Rob Blake knows how difficult it can be trying to contain Franzen.

"He's got a lot of skill, he's big, he's strong, he moves well,'' Blake said. "He's got quick hands and he can shoot the puck, too. So he's got a great combination and he's got (Pavel) Datsyuk feeding him.''

As much as Datsyuk talks about needing to shoot more, he knows he must get the puck to Franzen, especially when he's feeling it.

"It's really good he scored if he (was frustrated), but I think he (doesn't) have to be frustrated, he had points every game,'' Datsyuk said. "I think he can get going now. My job now is more to deliver the puck for them (Franzen and his other winger, either Tomas Holmstrom or Dan Cleary). Make sure they shoot.''

Diminutive Sharks center Scott Nichol said it's up to the team's big forwards to contain Franzen.

"You just got to get good body position and don't give him much time and space with the puck," Nichol said. "He's kind of like a carbon copy of Clowie (San Jose forward Ryane Clowe), big and strong and hangs onto the puck, and it's tough to (take it away). No use just diving in on him because he'll just outmuscle you.''