Johan-Franzen-2-27-14

The Red Wings' Johan Franzen (93) celebrates one of his goals with teammates Niklas Kronwall (55), Daniel Alfredsson (11), Pavel Datsyuk and Darren Helm (43).

(The Associated Press)

OTTAWA – The last time Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Franzen got hit in the face he missed 22 of the next 23 games with a concussion.

So when Ottawa Senators tough guy Chris Neil ripped off Franzen’s helmet in a fit of rage and began roughing him up during the third period Thursday, the results could have been disastrous for a player the Red Wings desperately need in their playoff push.

But Franzen, who notched his third career hat trick in a 6-1 victory at the Canadian Tire Centre, emerged unscathed -- and then took a few shots of his own.

“He usually shows up when the game’s over and tries to be the hero, puts his cape on and goes and flies out there,” Franzen said of Neil. “He doesn’t like to take heat from fans and coaches, I think. He usually steps up when the game is over and shows everyone that he really fights hard.”

Franzen was laughing at Neil when he was trying to engage him in a fight. Franzen said he doesn’t know what set off Neil, though it typically doesn’t take much. Neil was penalized for roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct. Both received 10 minute misconducts, ending their night.

Neil wasn’t available for comment.

Franzen anticipated trouble with Neil late in the game.

“I thought so, when (Senators coach Paul MacLean) puts him out there,” Franzen said. “He tried to high-stick me after the draw right away and then he came after me, so I tried to stay close to him … if he was going to run me into anything. But he decided to rip the helmet off and hit me in the face.”

Franzen suffered a concussion on Dec. 15 when Tampa Bay’s Radko Gudas hit him in the face during a battle for the puck.

“It’s probably not the best thing to do, getting hit in the face,” Franzen said. “Maybe the ref can stop that before it happens, I don’t know. They (officials) didn’t seem to (care) that they put him out there and he tried to start things.

“He hit me once, but then the ref came in.”

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock declined to comment on Neil’s antics.

Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall said, “I didn’t see what led up to it, but you could definitely feel something was going to happen.”

The Senators might be sick of getting schooled by Franzen in their own building. Franzen had 11 goals in his past four games in Ottawa, including a five-goal game on Feb. 2, 2011.

“I like playing here,” Franzen said. “They got (Norris Trophy-winning defenseman) Erik Karlsson on the other side and we grew up in the same little town (in Sweden). It’s fun to come in and play him. Just happy anytime we can keep him from the scoreboard.”

Franzen put up five points (three goals, two assists) in two games since returning to the lineup, helping the Red Wings earn four valuable points on the road against clubs (Montreal, Ottawa) they’re competing with for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

“The key for me is that he’s healthy,” Babcock said. “It’s hard to (score) when you’re sitting in the press box. He’s an important player for us. He has the ability, he has the touch. Lots of guys play hard and don’t score; Mule can score.”